Friday, 8 September 2017 - 5:29pm |
Tasman

Update – man charged after sexual assault in Nelson

1 min read

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnston

A 28-year-old West Coast man has appeared in the Nelson District Court today and has been remanded in custody on sexual assault, aggravated wounding and burglary charges after an incident at a home in The Brook area of Nelson last night (Thursday).

After the incident the victim managed to make her way to a neighbour who called Police. The man was taken into custody shortly after when located nearby.

The victim is being supported by her friends and family and specialist sexual assault services.

Police forensic staff and scientists from the ESR are currently completing a scene examination, while the investigation team is also trying to trace the movements of the arrested man during the day and into the evening of Thursday 7 September. 

It is known he was in the Takaka area earlier in the day and has made his way to Nelson by late afternoon.  It is unknown how he travelled that distance and Police would like to hear from anyone that may have picked up a hitch hiker in the area. 

He is described as European, 28 years old, 165-170cm tall, and of small to medium build.  He has medium length brown coloured hair and was believed to be wearing brown coloured long trousers and a brown polar fleece top or check shirt.

We would also like to hear from anyone that may have seen this man acting suspiciously or may have even been approached by him in the areas around Nelson Hospital through to The Brook during the early evening. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation Windlass team on 03 545 9679.

ENDS

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