A 16-year-old boy will appear in the High Court in April next year charged with the rape and attempted murder of a 14-year-old girl last New Year's Eve.
His case was called at the High Court in Auckland onWednesday, and he faces trial on April 26.
Counsel for the youth argued for his case to be tried under Youth Court jurisdiction in October, but the Manukau Youth Court decided he should be tried at the High Court.
"The big issue with that is the youth court will only impose a penalty of a maximum of five years, whereas some of his charges are worth 20," Detective Senior Sergeant Sue Schwalger said.
The youth, whose name is suppressed, has been charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, aggravated burglary and rape of a 14-year-old Vietnamese girl.
It is alleged he (and possibly two others) broke into the girl's bedroom at her Manurewa home on New Year's Eve, stabbed her 10 times and raped her. She was then thrown into a reserve behind her home.
Ms Schwalger said police still have to locate one or more offenders in the case.
- NZPA
16-year-old rape accused sent to High Court
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