Not guilty plea to sex, abduction charges

Photo/File

A Piopio man has pleaded not guilty to abduction and sex charges in the Whanganui District Court.

Stuart Anthony Haywood is charged with indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl on December 16, raping her, having an unlawful sexual connection with her, and abduction for sex.

He also faces drugs charges.

He appeared in court on Tuesday where defence lawyer Anna Brosnahan asked for the matter to be remanded without plea.

Ms Brosnahan, who was acting on behalf of Peter Brosnahan, said they did not yet want to enter pleas as they had not received adequate disclosure on the case.

However, as it was Haywood's second appearance, pleas had to be entered.

Ms Brosnahan entered not guilty pleas by default, and elected trial by jury for Haywood.

Haywood's next appearance will be on February 16.