Well-known 72-year-old charged with date rape

A well-known New Zealander has been charged with a date-rape.

The 72-year-old man was arrested by police yesterday morning and appeared later in Napier District Court, facing two charges of sexual violating a 29-year-old woman, indecent assault, and entering the woman's home with intent to commit a crime.

Police allege the offences were committed late last Friday night or early on Saturday morning.

The man was not asked to enter any pleas and was remanded in custody to reappear in court again next Wednesday.

On an application made by his lawyer Michael McAleer, the man was granted interim name suppression.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY