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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 The jury deliberating at the trial for a former rugby
league star accused of rape was sent home for the night on Wednesday. The jury retired at 1pm in the Auckland District Court
trial of Tea Ropati who faces six counts of sexual violation including rape
relating to an incident in June 2006. Ropati, a former Kiwis and Warriors player, has denied the
charges. He says they did not have sex and that any other activity was
consensual. The court was packed with Ropati's family and friends
including his wife who was seated at the back of the public gallery. During summing up, the judge said some of the evidence may
have sounded disturbing but urged the jury to put aside any moral judgement. He said the Crown's main argument focused on the lack of
consent with the defence suggesting the complainant was a willing
participant. The jury has now been sent out to deliberate. Earlier, Crown Prosecutor Philip Hamlin said lack of
consent is central to the case. He told the court the complainant was
so drunk on the night of the alleged offending, her ability to refuse sex was
impaired. Defence lawyer Gary Gotlieb said the six charges were the
most difficult charges to defend given the complainant can't remember the
alleged offending. He said the woman is an in your face person who knows what
she wants, claiming ACC after the incident. Gotlieb reminded the jury that it
was the Crown who described her as a feisty person. The jury resumes deliberations on Thursday morning. |
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