Mad Butcher appears as character witness for Ropati

The Mad Butcher has appeared as a character witness at the trial for rape accused Tea Ropati.

The former rugby league international is accused of sexually violating a woman in an Auckland bar and raping her at in a carpark in June 2006.

Mad Butcher Peter Leach says he has known Ropati for more than 20 years. He compared him to Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, as always having a smile on his face.

Mr Leach says he has observed the accused at many social situations and has always seen him as a gentleman. He says Ropati is respectful to everyone, including women.

- NEWSTALK ZB