Home invasion accused makes first court appearance

The man charged with a home invasion and sexual attack in Auckland earlier this month has made his first court appearance.

Dean Te Otinga Martin, 38, a forklift operator from suburban Onehunga, faces nine charges including abduction, sexual violation, indecent assault, aggravated burglary, aggravated wounding, burglary and unlawful taking of a car.

The charges relate to an attack on a 32-year-old Asian woman at her Onehunga home in the early hours of August 18.

The woman was allegedly accosted on the stairs by a man who bound her wrists and attempted to gag her. She screamed when neighbours called out asking if she needed help, after which the attacker ran out.

Martin was remanded in custody when he appeared in Auckland District Court today and will reappear for a pre-depositions hearing on September 18.

- NZPA