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Allegations of Abuse
in NZ |
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Tea Ropati - League Star accused of
rape |
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One News Former Kiwis and Warriors player
Tea Ropati is defending six charges including rape and unlawful sexual connection. The Crown alleges that Ropati
sexually violated an Auckland businesswoman at a bar and then raped her at a
central Auckland park in June 2006. Ropati fought hard for name
suppression, but on Monday the judge ruled that he had had sufficient time to
distance himself from the charitable trust he fronts. Ropati says he fooled around with
the complainant but it was consensual and they did not have sex. "What the defence is saying
is how could Mr Ropati be aware that she...buying her own drinks, taking her
own drugs, how could he be aware of what her state was?" says Ropati's
lawyer Gary Gotlieb But the Crown argues that the fact
the woman was drunk and had taken drugs means she was incapable of consent. The Crown also says medical
evidence will show she suffered genital trauma and other signs of force. Ropati played top level league, is
married and his lawyer says that while he may have failed morally, there was
no crime committed. But in evidence on Monday
afternoon the complainant said although she has memory gaps, she recalls
coming to in the back of Ropati's car. She says his face above her looked
angry and twisted and she had extreme pain in her genitals and realised she
had been raped. Video evidence showing showing
Ropati engaged in sexual activity with the woman was also shown in court. The
video footage from the bar shows the complainant at one point falling asleep
on a couch as Ropati continues to touch her. Thirty-five witnesses are being
called to the stand and the trial will run into next week. |
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