High Court rape trial nears end

Sahara Baker-Koro. Photo / Supplied

A jury in the High Court at Napier is expected to begin deciding today whether a Napier man sexually violated a 5-year-old girl he has admitted killing.

Kerry Charles Ratana, 25, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in July for causing the death of Sahara Jayde Baker Koro, but pleaded not guilty to sexual violation.

The victim's mother, Chantally Baker, left him to mind her three children on December 20 and returned to find Sahara dead in her bed.

She alleges Ratana said, "I raped her. I'm sorry. Don't call the police."