Gang rape accused to face trial

Three men are to stand trial for the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Hastings last year.

At a depositions hearing in Hastings District Court yesterday a prima facie case was established against Petuera Clarke, 18, unemployed, Te Nahu Whakamoe Raroa Tihema, 19, student, and Frane Marino Harmer, 22, beneficiary.

In written evidence the alleged victim said she had returned to Hawke's Bay from Wellington for a family reunion.

She was among a group of people drinking at her aunt's house in suburban Flaxmere on January 2, 2004, and woke later that night to find someone on top of her having sex.

Another person was holding her right arm, while a third person stood by the door to her bedroom.

The group was disturbed when another female entered the room.

All three youths entered not guilty pleas. Clarke was remanded in custody, while the other two received bail.

All three were to next appear in the High Court at Napier on February 8.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY