Man who abducted woman faces preventive detention

The man who took a young Napier woman from her home and subjected her to 15 hours of horrific abuse could face a lifetime behind bars,

Today the crown applied in Napier District Court for Trevor Eagle to be sentenced to preventive detention.

Eagle showed no emotion as Judge Tony Adeane transferred sentencing to the High Court, saying the level of offending came well within what could be considered for preventive detention.

Such a sentence would mean Eagle could remain in prison indefinitely while he was still considered a risk to the community.

Late last month Eagle, of Napier, pleaded guilty to 11 charges including six of sexual violation, one of rape, one of aggravated burglary, one of indecent assault and one of abduction involving the 24-year-old woman.

Eagle abducted his victim from her Tamatea, Napier, home at knifepoint in the early hours of the morning of January 17.

She was driven in her own car to Mohaka Forest, off the Napier-Taupo highway, where Eagle repeatedly sexually violated her.

The woman managed to escape that night and hid in bush all night before flagging down a logging truck the next day.

She was driven to a nearby home where police were called.

Eagle was described by his lawyer as a "living, walking example of the dangers of P".

The Sensible Sentencing Trust, who were in regular contact with Eagle's victim, said today's decision would please her.

It hoped that by being transferred to the High Court, Eagle would "get what he deserves".

Trust spokesman Garth McVicar hoped the push for preventive detention for Eagle might warn others off the drug.

"For many P users out there, this sentence being sought is a huge deterrent."

Eagle was remanded in custody in the High Court on March 28. The court also asked for psychiatric reports be prepared.

- NZPA