Would-be rapist uses 'no missus' as excuse

Photo / file

A man who assaulted a woman with the intention of raping her told police he did it because he could not get a "missus", a court has been told.

In Dunedin District Court yesterday, Shaun Kahu Leonard, 29, labourer, admitted assaulting the woman with intent to rape her on September 24.

Leonard did not seek bail.

Judge Paul Kellar gave him a "three strikes" warning and remanded him for sentence on November 27.

The police summary said the 25-year-old victim was observing birdlife at Jubilee Park about 9.30am.

Leonard was also at the park, armed with a knife, after driving there intending to find a female with whom he could have sexual intercourse.

Seeing the victim on a track, Leonard walked away from her but lingered close to the track awaiting an opportunity to attack.

After a short wait, he grabbed the victim's shoulders with both hands and pushed her backwards, causing her to land on her back on a grassy area beside the track.

Leonard then lay on top of her.

The victim was struggling and yelling at him to get off.

He did so and fled when he saw her reach for her cell phone.

Although the victim had little in the way of any physical injury, she suffered severe emotional trauma.

When interviewed by police, Leonard said he intended to find a female to rape because he could not get a "missus".