Police seek information on Hawke’s Bay man on rape, kidnapping charges

A man will reappear in Hastings District Court on April 14 on multiple sexual offence charges. Photo / NZME

Police are seeking information about a Hawke’s Bay man accused of kidnapping and rape.

The 37-year-old has been charged with abduction for sex, impeding breathing/blood circulation, two counts of unlawful sexual connection with a female over 16, and four counts of rape of a female over 16, said Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu.

He was arrested on Monday and appeared in Hastings District Court yesterday.

The Flaxmere man was granted name suppression and remanded in custody to reappear on April 14.

Police have asked anyone who may have information on any other alleged offending by the man to come forward, said Whiu.

The offending may have occurred in the Hastings area around March 14-15 this year.

“We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously,” Whiu said.

“Police has a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases and we provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.”

Police would make arrangements to talk in an appropriate and safe way.

Whiu said police can be contacted online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105, referencing file number 260316/3776.