Couple in multiple rape case named

A couple accused of raping a number of women in Hamilton can now be named after an appearance in Hamilton District Court yesterday.

Maureen Samantha Iti, 32, from Tamahere, 9km south east of Hamilton, and Jason Lloyd Jones, 38, are charged with three counts of rape and one of unlawful connection, Fairfax Media reported.

Jones is also accused of doing an indecent act in a public place.

Police have alleged Jones and Iti lured young women into their vehicle before plying them with alcohol and raping them.

Iti yesterday entered no pleas and was remanded on bail to reappear next month for a post-committal conference.

Jones told the court he was upset at the lifting of his name suppression as he feared for his children's safety and felt like a "condemned man".

He was remanded in custody to reappear later this month.

- NZPA