DNA sees man charged with 1998 rape

DNA evidence has allowed police to charge a man for alleged abduction and rape. Photo / Thinkstock

New DNA evidence has allowed police to charge a man for the alleged abduction and rape of a Hawkes Bay woman nearly two decades ago.

Police said a 37-year-old Wanganui man appeared in the Wanganui District Court yesterday, where he faced charges of threatening to kill, abduction, aggravated assault and rape.

The charges relate to the alleged abduction and rape of a Hawkes Bay woman in 1998.

Detective Sergeant Tim Smith said the alleged rape occurred in Napier early on the morning of February 6, 1998.

Mr Smith said the victim, a 27-year-old woman, had left a bar in Napier and was found a short time later distressed on the beach near Marine Parade.

Although the incident was reported at the time, the arrest comes nearly two decades later as a result of forensic developments in the case.

Mr Smith said the victim was emotional but very relieved when told of new developments and the arrest.

The man was remanded in custody until his next appearance on April 15.