Further name suppression for sex violation accused

A judge in Napier District Court today granted further name suppression for a man facing sex charges. Photo File

Name suppression for a man facing charges of indecent assault and sexual violation of two women in Hawke's Bay has continued.

The 29-year-old, who cannot yet be named, was due to appear in the Napier District Court this morning on one charge of indecent assault relating to an incident on Burns Rd, Napier, on November 5.

He appeared in the Rotorua District Court yesterday charged with sexual violation relating to another incident in Havelock North, also on November 5.

In his first appearance the Napier man was bailed to Rotorua but was arrested on Friday in relation to the second offence and appeared in the Rotorua District Court on Saturday.

Interim name suppression was granted until today.

This morning Judge Tony Adeane excused the man's appearance and remanded him on bail until December 6.

In Rotorua yesterday defence lawyer Harry Edward said the two charges would come together in the Napier District Court on that date and asked that interim name suppression continue until then.

Judge Greg Hollister-Jones declined the request but Edward indicated he would appeal the decision to the High Court.

This morning Judge Adeane ordered interim name suppression in both the Napier District Court and Rotorua District Court, and now effectively the High Court, to continue until further notice.

Edward lodged his appeal with the High Court today.

The Judge granted bail on the condition the man remained at the Rotorua bail address 24 hours a day. He must travel with one or both of his parents to Napier for court via the most direct route on December 6.

Earlier this month police launched an investigation into five indecent assaults against women reported in Napier, Taradale and Havelock North.

A team of detectives was established to explore possible connections between the similar attacks, and the team had been reviewing CCTV footage of the areas in which they were reported in.