A 33-year-old man has reappeared in the Palmerston North District Court this morning on charges after two home-invasion sexual attacks.
Francis Kane Keefe made no plea and was remanded in custody until March. He is charged with two counts of sexual violation relating to incidents in Palmerston North on January 8 and 15. It is alleged he entered the bedrooms of two women and sexually violated them.
Keefe was located and arrested during a routine traffic stop on January 19. He made his first appearance in court last week on four counts of sexual violation but two of these were withdrawn today.
Judge Stephanie Edwards denied media applications to film and photograph Keefe due the potential of further charges. She said publication of images could prejudice the Edwards' right to a fair trial.
Acting Detective Inspector Neil Forlong said the arrest was the result of police work as well as support from the community and local media.
