Security guard jailed after DNA solves 13-year-old rape case

A part-time security guard has been jailed after a DNA hit linked him to the historical rape of a teenager on Napier Hill.

Logova Tafa Asiata appeared for sentencing yesterday in Napier District Court and was sentenced to three years and eight months’ imprisonment after a trial last year found him guilty of raping an intoxicated 15-year-old female in 2005.

The court heard the victim had ended up in Napier CBD in July of that year following a party. Asiata then accompanied her while she walked back to the party to gather her belongings.

Asiata, who had also been drinking, remained with the intoxicated teen as she became lost and wandered aimlessly about Napier Hill.

Uncomfortable and scared, she later collapsed against a retaining wall and pretended to be unconscious in an effort to make him go away. The court heard he then “half dragged, half carried” her to a more secluded spot and raped her.

Judge Geoff Rea said the victim chose to “check out” to protect herself.

A police inquiry was launched but it wasn’t until years later that a positive DNA test came up.

Defence counsel Rennie Gould argued prison would be “meaningless”. She sought a “punitive” sentence of home detention for her client, who was aged 20 at the time of offending with “the mental age of someone much younger”.

Prosecutor for the Crown, Clayton Walker, said there were many intellectually impaired people “who did not offend in this way”. He sought a prison term, citing community protection and the victim’s wish for accountability.

Judge Rea said a “harrowing” victim impact statement had been provided to the court.

“The statement highlights the terrible effects these crimes have on victims.”

In addition to the prison sentence he ordered immediate payment of $5200 to be paid to the victim.