Man accused of raping sleeping woman

A man charged with with raping a woman asleep in a New Plymouth house is to reappear in New Plymouth District Court tomorrow.

Kowhai Taua, 18, of New Plymouth, was charged with two counts of rape and one of burglary when appeared before a JP yesterday, the Taranaki Daily New reported.

It was alleged Taua attacked the sleeping woman after entering her house in Marfell on March 21.

Police opposed bail, saying the extremely serious charges and transient nature of Taua meant he could be a flight risk.

Taua was remanded in custody with consent and will reappear in court tomorrow.

- NZPA