Heartland rugby player admits intent to rape

Kolinio Yabia Tamanitoakula Ashburton Guardian picture

THE mid Canterbury rugby player accused of assaulting a woman with intent to rape her when his team visited Gisborne last October has pleaded guilty.

Kolinio Yabia Tamanitoakula, 25, appeared in Gisborne District Court yesterday via AV-link from Timaru yesterday.

Judge Warren Cathcart further remanded him on bail for a Crown sentencing fixture on June 9. Pre-sentence and cultural reports were ordered. The Fijian national was helped by an interpreter.

Counsel Alistair Clarke said Tamanitoakula wanted his upcoming sentence also to be via AV link but Judge Cathcart refused. The defendant was required to attend the Gisborne court in person; the complainant had the right to be present and see Tamanitoakula sentenced, the judge said.

Mr Clarke asked the matter be referred to restorative justice, saying his client was hopeful of an opportunity to personally apologise to the woman. The assault occurred in Gisborne after a Heartland Championship rugby game in Ruatoria.

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