KEY POINTS:
A 19-year-old youth convicted of sexual violation of an Australian tourist has been urged by a judge to "engage" with officials doing his pre-sentence reports.
He has evidently refused to speak to them during his two-week remand for sentence.
Christchurch District Court Judge Jane Farish delayed the sentencing of Maia Crawford Rongonui so that a psychiatric report under the Criminal Procedures (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act could be prepared.
"I am concerned as to what's happening for you, as are your parents," Judge Farish said.
"It is very important for you to try to engage with the people coming to talk to you. They are there to help you."
Rongonui, a shearer from Masterton, was convicted by a jury of assaulting the 21-year-old tourist with intent to commit sexual violation, and then sexually violating her in the attack at Easter 2007.
The victim - a student now living on the Gold Coast - told how she met him while she was out on the town with sports teammates late at night.
When she became separated from her friends, he offered to show her the way back to her backpackers' hostel but attacked her in a dark inner city park.
He was due to be sentenced today but Judge Farish said it would be unfair to deal with him without having enough information available.
Rongonui was remanded in custody to November 5 for the report to be done.
His parents were in court during the trial and at his appearance today.
- NZPA