A video has been released of a suspected offender that was involved in a sexually motivated attack of a jogger in St Mary’s Bay. / Auckland City District Police
A man who dragged an Auckland jogger into bushes before strangling and sexually assaulting her has been sent to prison.
Avin Ivory Lock appeared in the Auckland District Court today after pleading guilty to assault with intent to commit sexual violation.
Despite Lock already having a lengthy criminalhistory, Judge Russell Collins was the first judge to send him to prison and also imposed a minimum period of imprisonment to protect the public.
Judge Collins also declined the Herald's application to photograph Lock for public safety and rehabilitation reasons.
Police arrested the 33-year-old after a female jogger was attacked in the early hours of May 11.
She pleaded with him not to kill her - he replied that if she stayed silent he wouldn't.
Fortunately, a passing cyclist saw Lock and heard the woman's screams before coming to her aid - courageously chasing away her attacker.
Lock fled and was last seen jumping over a fence and running in the direction of Swift Ave and Hackett St, through the rear of several properties.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard earlier said the victim and cyclist immediately went to the Auckland Central Police Station to report the attack.
Victim: 'I have not felt safe since the incident'
The woman's victim impact statement was read to the court today.
The PhD student said she suffered a concussion and nerve damage from the attack - and still suffers flashbacks, headaches, nausea and difficulty sleeping.
"The activity I loved of running in the place I was attacked and harmed is no longer an enjoyful experience," she said.
"I have not felt safe since the incident, I love Auckland yet my husband and I will most likely move as a result of this incident."
The victim, who now sees a therapist weekly, said she has been forced to take time off work and her studies, while a post-study grant is now also in jeopardy.
The emotional, financial and physical harm may be long lasting, she added.
"Some may leap to the superficial conclusion that it is a failure of the system, but that would be an error in logic," he said.
It could be said previous sentences did not deter further offending, the judge continued, but also questioned whether available resources could realistically be expected to achieve deterrence.
"It isn't for the criminal justice system to cure a whole myriad of problems," Judge Collins said.
He said Lock faced several hurdles before his case would be deemed appropriate for parole.
Judge Collins said a minimum period of imprisonment was needed to protect the public.
A pre-sentence report also said Lock had a high-risk of reoffending.
