Rape denial halts Timaru youth's sentencing

A 17-year-old Timaru youth facing a long jail term for rape has scuppered a sentencing session in the Christchurch District Court with a denial - in spite of his guilty plea.

Judge Michael Crosbie apologised to the victim, who has now travelled to court twice for sentencings that could not proceed.

The judge said he sympathised with her and apologised for the latest delay.

"I hope she understands it is no reflection on her at all. This is a very serious matter."

He arranged for a further senior defence counsel to interview the youth and confirm his instructions, and set a further date for sentencing in Timaru on April 22.

If the youth persists with his denials, a disputed facts hearing may have to be held before sentencing can go ahead.

The teenager pleaded guilty in Timaru to a charge of sexual violation by rape but, when he made denials to the probation officer preparing his pre-sentence report, the judge delayed the sentencing and asked for a psychological report.

In a report prepared by a psychologist at Christchurch's Hillmorton Hospital for today's hearing, the teen again denied the offending.

"In a general comment at the conclusion he denies sexual offending," Judge Crosbie told the court.

"More than that, he says specifically the sex was equal and consensual, and denies that he raped the victim. He denies that he held her down or had oral or anal sex."

The youth was 16 when the incident occurred last year but he has been sent to the District Court to be dealt within the adult jurisdiction since his plea of guilty.

The Youth Court's automatic name suppression will need to be re-argued in the District Court, possibly when the sentencing does go ahead.

The judge said sentencing would start at about eight years, with a 10 per cent reduction for the guilty plea, and another reduction for his age.

- NZPA