Arrest in Victory rape case
A 22-year-old Nelson man has been arrested and charged over the brutal assault and rape of a 62-yearold woman at the Victory Community Gardens on New Year’s Day.
Detective Sergeant Ian Lang- ridge said today the man was arrested this morning and was remanded in custody to appear in the Nelson District Court later today.
He has been charged with kidnapping, aggravated injury, injuring with intent, indecent assault, and four counts of sexual violation.
Mr Langridge said the break- through came as a result of DNA evidence which matched that of the man now in police custody. He said the man was on the police suspect list prior to the DNA match being discovered.
The victim had been told, and was ‘‘very relieved’’ to hear the news.
‘‘I am full of admiration for this woman. She has remained strong and offered police as much assistance as she can,’’ Mr Langridge said.
‘‘Her relief is shared by our entire investigation team, who have put in some long hours since this terrible incident on New Year’s Day.
‘‘I’m sure the people of Nelson will also be very relieved to know we have this man in custody.’’
Police received a flood of information from the public in Nelson following the release of a computer sketch of a likeness of the offender, who committed what police described as a ‘‘prolonged and vicious’’ attack.
‘‘I’d like to thank every person who has offered information,’’ Mr Langridge said.
Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Steve Greally congratulated the investigation team.
‘‘This crime was particularly heinous in nature and generated a great deal of emotion within the wider Nelson community, and particularly within the Victory area,’’ he said.
‘‘I would like to congratulate and thank Detective Sergeant Ian Langridge and his investigation team for the countless hours they invested to enable an arrest.
‘‘I would also like to thank members of the community for their assistance in resolving this matter. I have said it before – that police cannot work without the assistance of the community, and we are very grateful for the support we get in Nelson Bays,’’ Mr Greally said.