Photo / File
Police believe they have caught the man responsible for a slew of sex attacks in a South Auckland park.
The four incidents - which took place in Kirks Bush, Papakura - spanned nine months from February last year and police said each was an "escalation" on its predecessor.
Danny Taurae, 18, appeared in Papakura District Court yesterday facing four charges of indecent assault and one of sexual violation.
Court documents allege that in each instance the teenager grabbed the complainants and threw them to the ground.
According to police, Taurae's modus operandi included asking for sex and groping the women, as well as rubbing his crotch against their back.
The bulk of the alleged offending took place at the end of last year. In the final incident on November 25, a 14-year-old girl was grabbed and violated in what police called a "brazen" daylight attack.
Taurae's mother said the first she knew of police suspicions was when police raided her Opaheke property on Tuesday.
"I had no idea what they were looking for. I just let them come through the house," she said.
"They took two pairs of shorts, a couple of T-shirts and some hoodies he had."
But the woman said the garments had all been bought for him after December when he returned home after a stint living with friends.
She had not spoken to him since charges were laid but was "sure he didn't do it".
"I asked [police] what evidence they had and they said they hadn't tested anything yet. So why are they charging him? It's very surprising," she said.
The November attack at the bush reserve prompted police to issue a press release warning the public about the area and asking for any information on the culprit.
Detective Sergeant Michele Gillespie of Papakura CIB said the 14-year-old complainant walked past a young man who was leaving the bush and shortly afterwards she heard someone running towards her.
The girl was grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground, where the alleged sexual assault took place.
Ms Gillespie described it as "very distressing" for the girl, who told police her assailant covered his face with a T-shirt during the attack.
At the time, police said they could not rule out the alleged offences were committed by the same person.
Taurae's mother was adamant her son was not responsible.
"My child did not do it ... the fact is it's an allegation. He's innocent until proven guilty," she said.
The teen was remanded in custody without plea until next week when he will be back in court.