Man for trial over Xmas Eve attack

A man accused of a vicious assault on an elderly woman in her Rotorua home on Christmas Eve 2001 is to stand trial.

Graham Kereama Hepi, 33, yesterday pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the attack on the 89-year-old woman when he appeared in the Rotorua District Court for a depositions hearing.

Hepi was further remanded in custody until a callover on June 22.

He is charged with aggravated robbery, causing the woman grievous bodily harm with the intent to avoid arrest, and three counts of fraud over the use of her bankcard.

Police allege Hepi broke into the woman's home on the afternoon of Christmas Eve 2001, tied her hands and feet and beat her unconscious, hitting her so hard her jaw was broken.

He was allegedly armed with a knife and stole $400 cash and her bankcard.

After the attack, the woman dragged herself to the footpath, where two people heard her crying for help.

Hepi was arrested last month. Police said forensic technology had identified him as the suspect.

They would not say what the new forensic evidence was.

The victim, who moved to a rest home after the attack, was said to be relieved at the arrest.

Hepi yesterday conceded, through his lawyer, Nikki Utting, there was a prima facie case to answer.

Evidence for the case was given to two justices of the peace presiding over the hearing.

Police prosecutor Jim Broom said this comprised written evidence from 17 witnesses and 10 exhibits.

A media application to read the evidence was refused, as was an application to photograph Hepi in court.

Hepi was supported by family members, including a woman who mouthed the words "Love you, baby" to him in the dock.