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Allegations of Abuse
in NZ |
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Tea Ropati - League Star accused
of rape |
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Radio NZ Former rugby league international
Tea Ropati has been found not guilty of rape and other sex charges relating
to an incident in an Auckland bar in 2006. The jury took about 10 hours to
clear Mr Ropati of charges of attempted sexual violation, unlawful sexual
connection and rape. Mr Ropati, 42, a former Warriors
and Kiwis international, denied all charges during the trial in Auckland
District Court this week. The 36-year-old complainant
claimed she was raped by Mr Ropati. She told the court this week she did not
remember much of what happened on the night she met him in an Auckland bar,
because she was drunk and high on cocaine. Mr Ropati said he engaged in
consensual sexual activity only with the woman, and they never had
intercourse. Vocal supporters of Mr Ropati were
ordered out of the court when the verdicts were read out on Thursday. They
yelled abuse directed at police, saying the case was a waste of money and
should not have gone to trial. Outside court, Mr Ropati addressed
the media and thanked his family and friends. He said he would not have been
able to cope without their support. In a statement issued by his
lawyer, Mr Ropati said he has ongoing issues with alcohol and would be back
in court on Friday to face a charge of driving under the influence on New
Year's Day. |
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