Man acquitted of rape, sexual violation charges

File photo / NZ Herald

A Takaka man has been acquitted in Nelson District Court of raping and sexually violating a woman.

Sam Jeffrey Miles was accused of sexually violating and raping a drunk 19-year-old woman in a tent at Kiwi Park in Murchison on March 6 last year, the Nelson Mail reported.

However, the jury acquitted Miles of both the charges after deliberating for less than two hours.

A number of witnesses had been called, including the victim, who testified she was so drunk she had trouble walking. She also had no memory of the alleged rape.

Miles lawyer Jonathan Eaton said his client thought the sex was consensual. Character witnesses said Miles respected women and the alleged offence was not in his nature.

- NZPA