Alleged victim denies making up story of kidnapping, abuse

Rotorua courthouse. Photo/File

There's been a vehement denial from an intellectually impaired man that he made claims of brutality against an Eastern Bay of Plenty man for money.

The 34-year-old was being questioned in the High Court at Rotorua today by Gene Tomlinson, the lawyer acting for defendant Leneith Moeke.

Pressed whether he'd talked to Moeke's mother, mentioning money, the man denied he'd spoken to her or had said to anyone else he was 'doing it' for the money.

Asked if his nose and ribs could have been broken by people other than Moeke and his co-defendant Gene Karauira the impaired man accepted it was possible because he had been knocked unconscious in various confrontations and hadn't known what was happening to him.

However he remained adamant both defendants had stabbed him while his hands were bound behind his back, that he'd been stripped by Karauria and scratched by Moeke.

"I tried to yell out but got gagged so no one could hear me," he claimed.

Challenged about changing his story regarding the number of times Moeke hit him on his head and ear with a pole the man said since he'd first been asked about it he'd had time to think more deeply and instead of his initial claim that it was no more than twice he now considered at least six blows had been administered.

He denied the lawyer's claim he wanted to paint a bad picture of Moeke.

"You are making it up as you go along, what you are saying is a lie," Mr Tomlinson said.

"No, it's no lie, bro," the alleged victim responded.

Moeke, 36, and Karauria, 29, are facing a raft of charges including kidnapping and ill-treatment of a vulnerable adult. This allegation includes not providing him with sufficient food, dousing him in cold water, depriving him of the use of a toilet and washing machine, taking his money, making him sleep in a shed, verbally abusing him and preventing him from obtaining medial treatment.

When the trial began on Monday they pleaded not guilty to 24 charges relating to the complainant who it is claimed has the mental capacity of a child and is unable to care for himself independently.

The trial continues.

Earlier:

An intellectually impaired man alleging he was kidnapped and attacked by an eastern Bay of Plenty couple has agreed others have beaten him up.

Leneith Moeke, 36, and Gene Karauria, 29, are on trial in the High Court at Rotorua facing a raft of charges including ill-treatment of a vulnerable adult.

The allegations include not providing him with sufficient food, dousing him in cold water, depriving him of the use of a toilet, taking his money, making him sleep in a shed, physically and verbally abusing him and preventing him from obtaining medical treatment.

It is claimed the 34-year-old has the mental capacity of a child and today he was cross-examined by Moeke's lawyer Gene Tomlinson.

He was adamant blood found in the house was his, despite the lawyer telling him scientists would say it wasn't human blood.

He said showering and washing his clothes was important to him but although he'd been shown how to use the defendants' washing machine he'd forgotten, which was why he washed his clothes outside.

He agreed he'd been punched at least twice by members of the Outback gang and on occasions by others.

He also agreed Moeke had bought him a tablet and cellphone, and brought them back to him when they were stolen.

He agreed the tablet had been taken by a man he owed money for "tinnies" and Moeke had asked people not to sell him drugs.

Pressed about why he hadn't left Moeke and Karauria's house when they were out, the man said he'd been instructed to stay and feed their dogs.

He accepted it was his idea to move into the shed "because I wanted peace and quiet". He hadn't used a heater there because it wasn't his.

The trial is continuing.