Riverhead quarry attack: trial starts for man accused of kidnap, assault

Colin Jack Mitchell at the Auckland District Court last year on charges relating to the abduction of a woman.

A High Court trial has begun for a man accused of kidnapping a 23-year-old woman and assaulting her at a West Auckland quarry.

Colin Jack Mitchell, 59, of Onehunga, was charged with abduction, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and assault with intent to commit sexual violation after the alleged incident in the early hours of Sunday February 26 last year.

Police alleged he "took" the 23-year-old "without her consent" as she walked through Grey Lynn following a night out with friends at the annual Pride Parade.

She was driven to the quarry and woke to find a man standing over her with a baseball bat.

She was partially clothed.

The woman, who suffered a serious head injury in the alleged attack, managed to get away and call police.

After a high profile investigation and appeals for information, Mitchell was identified as the alleged attacker and charged.

The jury was empanelled this morning and the trial, before Justice Sally Fitzgerald, will resume tomorrow with opening addresses from Crown solicitor Kirsten Lummis and defence lawyer Mark Ryan.

The man has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Three weeks have been set aside for the trial and around 40 witnesses, including the alleged victim, will give evidence.