Man accused of internet rapes walks free

Gregory Noel Burnside was found not guilty of all charges relating to one woman. File photo / Sarah Ivey

A man accused of luring two women to his home via an internet dating site and raping them has walked free.

Gregory Noel Burnside, 41, faced 12 sex-related charges after the women claimed they were raped at his property near Huntly in November 2007.

They said they had gone to his home on dates.

Mr Burnside had used the name "Houndman" on his NZDating website.

He was found not guilty at a Hamilton District Court trial in July on all charges relating to one woman.

Now suppression on a judgment by Judge Robert Spear has lapsed, it can be revealed the second alleged victim was supposed to give evidence at the same trial, The Waikato Times reported.

She said she would not attend court, on the grounds she had been attacked by Burnside's father, David Burnside, on six occasions leading up to the trial.

The Crown later asked for a separate trial for the second woman.

Judge Spear said the woman had handled the situation badly and caused delays in the justice process, even though Mr Burnside senior's actions were "reprehensible".

As a result, Judge Spear issued a stay of proceedings over the second indictment, effectively halting the case indefinitely.

He said those accused had a right to be tried without undue delay and that there was no guarantee the woman would give evidence at a second trial.

- NZPA