Arrest warrant issued for Bailey Kurariki

Bailey Junior Kurariki. Photo / Janna Dixon

A warrant for the arrest of Bailey Junior Kurariki has been issued after he failed to show at the Manukau District Court on sex charges today.

Kurariki, 20, was to have appeared on two counts of indecently assaulting a female over 16 and one count of committing an indecent act after allegedly exposing himself and groping two women journalists.

But he failed to turn up. His lawyer Jonathan Hudson told the court that he had been told by Kurariki's family he was unwell.

Kurariki had gone to his probation officer who referred him to a doctor.

But Judge Jonathan Moses said if Kurariki was well enough to see his probation officer, he was well enough to turn up in court.

Shortly after 4pm, Mr Hudson told nzherald.co.nz that Kurariki did not show up to court and a warrant for arrest has been issued.

Asked if he was disappointed in the Judge's decision to issue the warrant, Mr Hudson said it was Judge Moses' decision to make.

- NZ HERALD STAFF & NZPA