Police look for clues at Whangarei's Hatea Loop walkway after a woman was kidnapped and sexually assaulted on April 29. PHOTO/JOHN STONE
A man accused of kidnapping a woman on Whangarei's Hatea Loop walkway has been further remanded in custody and had his name suppression continued.
The man, in his 40s, appeared in Whangarei District Court today charged with sexual violation, kidnapping with intent to have sexual intercourse, and causing grievous bodily
harm with intent.
The man was accused of going to the Riverside Drive entrance to the Loop Walkway about 6.30am on April 29 and grabbing a woman jogger, bundling her into a vehicle and taking her to a city address. He allegedly sexually violated and seriously assaulted her before dumping her in a central city street. A member of the public found her and called emergency services just before 7.30am.
Police today opposed lifting name suppression on the man, saying the victim also requested that he not be named at this stage.
The man was granted interim name suppression and has been remanded in custody until he reappears in court on June 24. The man was ordered to undergo a psychiatric test.
