Name suppression has been lifted for a 22-year-old man charged over the attack and rape of a woman in Nelson.
Hilton Hone Heke is alleged to have attacked and sexually assaulted the 62-year-old woman, who was working alone in a shade house at the Victory Community Gardens about 2:30pm on New Year’s Day.
He has been charged with kidnapping, aggravated injury, injuring with intent, and four counts of sexual violation.
He appeared in Nelson District Court following his arrest on Monday. He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody to reappear this morning. Suppression was lifted this morning.
Police arrested the man after matching his DNA to evidence gathered.
"[The victim's] relief is shared by our entire investigation team who've put in some long hours since this terrible incident on New Year's Day," says Det Sgt Ian Langridge.
"I'm sure the people of Nelson will also be very relieved."
Mr Langridge says members of the team investigating the attack said it was one of the worst non-fatal attacks Nelson had ever seen.
3 News
source: newshub archive
