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Allegations of Abuse
in NZ |
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Tea Ropati - League Star accused
of rape |
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The lawyer for a former rugby
league star found not guilty of a raft of sexual assault crimes says the law
favours the alleged victim. Tea Ropati has been cleared of all
six charges, including sexual violation and rape. The charges arose from
incidents at an Auckland bar and nearby park in 2006. Defence counsel Garry Gotlieb says
it is unfair his client does not have the same suppression orders protecting
his identity as the woman who accused him. He says public trials in sex cases
are not good for anyone and there has to be a better way. Mr Gotlieb says Ropati has a tough
18 months ahead. He is back in court this morning facing a drink driving
charge. Mr Gotlieb says Ropati will be drawing on his family's support to
help him kick his alcohol problems over the coming months. |
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