Allegations of Abuse in NZ
	peterellis Home / abuse allegations / Tea Ropati / Page 3 - Not Guilty Verdict	Tea Ropati - League Star accused of rape Not Guilty ”a case that should never have gone to trial” - Lawyer
	Radio NZ January 29 2008; 19:13 Character witnesses in defence of rape accused Tea Ropati The defence in the trial of the former rugby league international, Tea Ropati, has called character witnesses including the Mad Butcher, Peter Leitch. A closing address to the jury of seven men and five women will be delivered by the defence at the Auckland District Court tomorrow morning. 41-year old Mr Ropati has pleaded not guilty to rape and five other counts of sexual violation. He denies being rough or aggressive with his alleged victim and says he did not have sex with her. The Crown says the 36-year old businesswoman suffered injuries in the alleged attack, and was too drunk to consent to sexual activity.