No bail for man accused of 'predatory' rapes

A man facing five rape charges for what police described as violent and predatory attacks on three women was denied bail today.

Mekwin David Timbun, 28, a technician, sought bail during an appearance in Auckland District Court a day after his arrest.

Judge Philip Recordon said the summary of facts before him made it clear the public needed to be protected and no bail conditions he imposed could ensure that.

Mr Recordon was also denied an application for interim name suppression.

Papua New Guinean-born Timbun was remanded in custody until September 7 for pre-depositions.

The charges relate to alleged offences in and around Auckland dating from 2004.

One woman was allegedly raped in December 2004 and also last July. Another was allegedly raped twice on January 27 this year. The third was allegedly attacked in March.

Defence lawyer Sanjay Patel said Timbun had made a statement to police that any contact with the women was consensual.

Arguing for bail on strict conditions, Mr Patel said Timbun had no history of similar offending or of failing to appear on bail.

He added that the issue of consent would be resolved only at trial, but it could be year before the case was heard.

Mr Patel denied police claims that Timbun was a transient whose wife no longer wanted him at home.

He said Timbun had been working fulltime in Takanini and had a stable place to live.

In a written submission opposing bail, police said they feared that Timbun might fail to reappear in court, and might flee the country and return to PNG.

There were also concerns that the attacks on the women were separate, happened over a period of time, and were extremely violent and predatory.

Police also said there was also a risk of re-offending.

- NZPA