Man due in court over burglaries, sex assault

File photo / NZ Herald

A 30-year-old Hamilton man has been arrested and charged with three counts of sexual violation and two of burglary on Saturday.

The man was arrested at an address in Buxton Place, Palmerston North, early on Saturday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said the man allegedly unlawfully entered a home on the street and sexually violated a 24-year-old woman.

The woman was at home with her three young children at the time.

She was able to escape to a neighbouring property and alert police, who arrested the man a short time later. Police said the alleged offender was not known to the victim.

Although traumatised, police said the woman had given a clear description of the incident and was recovering with the support of family and friends.

The arrested man has also been charged with the burglary of another property nearby. Police will oppose bail when he appears at Palmerston North District Court this morning.

- NZHERALD STAFF