Rape case bail despite police bid

A New Lynn man accused of a brutal rape of a 14-year-old girl has been granted bail despite strong opposition from the police and Crown.

Pelusa Tauofaga, a 32-year-old carpenter, who required a Samoan interpreter, faces a number of charges including abduction, indecent assault, rape and unlawful sexual connection.

He was granted bail in the Waitakere District Court this week by Judge Phil Recordon.

Unusually, the police called in the Crown to represent them for the bail hearing.

Among concerns raised by Crown prosecutor Mathew Downs was the seriousness of the charge. He also cited the strength of the Crown case.

But Tauofaga's lawyer, Charl Hirschfeld, argued that the case was not strong at all and said there were identity issues.

The judge was concerned that Tauofaga's trial is at least a year away.

The police say that on November 13 the girl became separated from the friends she was with.

Tauofaga allegedly abducted her and took her to a shed where he violated her.

Under his bail conditions he is to live with family in South Auckland and go no farther west than Pt Chevalier.

He is due to appear in court again next month.