Man pleads not guilty to home-invasion rape of 94-year-old in Napier

The accused faces one charge of rape, two others of sexual violation, one of assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and one of aggravated burglary. Photo / NZME

A man has pleaded not guilty to raping a 94-year-old woman during a home invasion in Napier.

The 25-year-old, who has interim name suppression, appeared in Napier District Court today before Judge Russell Collins and via audiovisual link from prison, where he is in custody pending a case-review hearing in the court on October 7.

He has at least one unrelated appearance in another court in September.

Judge Russell Collins, pictured in an Auckland court two years ago. He was formerly Crown Prosecutor in Napier and recently returned to Hawke's Bay. Photo / File

The accused faces one charge of rape, two of sexual violation, one of assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and one of aggravated burglary. Lawyer Nicola Graham, standing-in for Gisborne defence counsel Elliot Lynch, said he pleaded not guilty to each charge.

Sergeant Dean Goodall withdrew a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

St John Ambulance Service answered a 7.46am medical emergency alert to an address in Kennedy Rd, Napier on Sunday, June 20. The woman and her son were found injured and were rushed to hospital.

If the trial by jury goes ahead it will be held in the High Court on a date yet to be set. The most serious charges have a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.