Man admits raping schoolgirl

A 39-year-old North Canterbury man who admitted raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl has been remanded in custody for sentencing on June 13.

He pleaded guilty at a pre-trial conference session, to sexually violating the girl by rape at a North Canterbury township on November 15, the Christchurch court news website reported.

After his guilty plea, crown prosecutor Barnaby Hawes said the Crown would offer no evidence on a second charge of unlawful possession of explosives.

Christchurch District Court Judge Philip Moran discharged him on that charge and remanded the man for a pre-sentence report and sentencing.

No summary of facts was read in court.

Defence counsel Elizabeth Bulger said there would be no application for bail.

- NZPA