The Dunedin rape suspect will appear in Dunedin District Court next week. Photo / Alan Gibson.
A 35-year-old Hamilton born man will appear in the Dunedin District Court next week on charges of attempted murder, sexual violation and robbery.
The charges follow the rape and assault of a 21-year-old Dunedin woman at a car-park near Canongate, in the early hours of last Saturday morning.
Police have questioned the suspect during the past two days before laying charges, and the accused man is presently in custody.
The rape victim was dragged into a Dunedin car park about 12.30am on Saturday and attacked for more than two hours.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve McGregor said the suspect had tried to make small talk with the victim, then attacked her.
She was strangled with both a nylon rope and bare hands.
At the end of the rape the man mislaid the rope but continued to manually strangle her, Mr McGregor said.
A motorist told police he had driven the suspect from Dunedin to Christchurch.
Mr McGregor said the rape victim was doing very well.
"She is now with family away from Dunedin.
"She is a very, very strong young lady and she's progressing very well, considering what she's been through."
-NZ HERALD STAFF
