Pukekohe rape accused appeals lifting of name suppression

The man accused of a prolonged sexual attack and rape of a woman in her Pukekohe home last month has lost his bid to have his name kept secret.

However, his name cannot yet be published while he appeals the decision.

The 36-year-old man faces seven charges, including rape, threatening to kill, and kidnapping, after allegedly tricking his way into the 37-year-old woman's home.

Today in Pukekohe District Court the man failed in his application for an interim name suppression order to continue.

Judge Sharon McAuslan said the public's right to know prevailed after the man's lawyer, Shayne Cassidy, said publication could affect his right to a fair trial

However, the judge said the man's name could not be published in the meantime because Mr Cassidy was about to lodge an appeal against her decision in the High Court.

The accused man was remanded in custody for another hearing on July 19.

- NZPA