Inquiry launched after bail bungle in rape case

A review has been launched into how a man accused of raping a teenage girl was able to be bailed to an address 300 metres from her home, Justice Minister Simon Power says.

In Parliament yesterday Mr Power said it was "unacceptable" and police procedure had not been followed, the Dominion Post reported.

The 15-year-old girl's mother said her daughter would have to walk past the man's Upper Hutt flat every day on her way to school.

The girl's family had been in court when the 20-year-old accused sought a change of bail address. Her father told the police prosecutor the address was too close to their home but the matter was not raised before the judge.

Rimutaka MP Chris Hipkins said the girl's family approached him on Wednesday and he had contacted police to voice their concerns.

"They admitted they had made a mistake and assured me they will do all they can to ensure the situation is corrected."

Police worked quickly yesterday to find a new address for the accused, with a decision to be made in Upper Hutt District Court today.

- NZPA