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Allegations of Abuse
in NZ |
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Tea Ropati - League Star accused
of rape |
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Three News
Tea Ropati has been found not
guilty of rape - a verdict that caused uproar in court and even left some of
the jury in tears. Members of the Ropati family
erupted as Tea was found not guilty on all six charges of sexual assault,
with Ropati’s brother, Sky TV presenter Peter Ropati, yelling abuse at police
before being removed from the court. Tea Ropati emerged from court
flanked by his wife and another brother, John, who has been one of his
defence lawyers throughout the trial. “I just want to thank my family
and friends,” Ropati said. “Without them I wouldn’t have been able to cope
throughout all of this. Just pretty relieved it’s all over.” Ropati then left it to his lawyer
to read a statement. “I have never doubed that I would
be found innocent on all charges,” Gary Gotlieb read. “I have been honest and
up front at all times with everyone concerned, beginning with the police on
the day I learned of the allegations made against me.” Ropati was accused of taking
advantage of a woman who was drunk at an Auckland bar in 2006. Ropati says he just wants to get
on with rebuilding his life. “I acknowledge that many of my actions
have disappointed and let down many different organisations with whom I work
closely. I think them for their continued support and belief in me.” |
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