Allegations of Abuse
in NZ |
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Tea Ropati - League Star accused
of rape |
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Otago Daily Times AUCKLAND: Former Kiwi rugby league
player Tea Ropati pleaded not guilty yesterday to rape, at the start of his
trial in Auckland. Ropati, who faces five other sex
offences relating to the same complainant, had interim name suppression until
it lapsed when the jury trial opened in the Auckland District Court. The offences are alleged to have
occurred on or about June 15, 2006. The rape is alleged to have
happened in the Victoria Park car park in the central city, the other offences
at The Whiskey Bar in nearby Ponsonby. The trial has been set down for
eight days, with the prosecution expected to call 35 witnesses. Ropati was supported in court by
two of his brothers, who are also prominent in rugby league circles. |