Rapist abandons plans to live near schools

A repeat rapist no longer plans to live near two schools in the Kapiti Coast community of Raumati after caving to pressure from outraged locals.

Justin Ames Johnston, 39, was released from prison in August last year after serving more than 15 years for the rapes of a 26-year-old women and a 15-year-old girl.

He had planned to live with his sister in Margaret Rd, just metres from Kapiti College's gates, but no longer planned to live in the area after reports of the community's anger left him in tears, his sister told the Dominion Post.

"He made a terrible mistake years ago and he will pay for it for the rest of his life. He cannot see how he can be part of the community now. He will be terrified," she said.

"The witch-hunt and hysteria should stop."

In December, Johnson breached bail conditions and was returned to Rimutaka Prison, where he remains.

He is due in Lower Hutt District Court today to defend a charge of being unlawfully in a closed yard.

Police were now looking for a another place for him to live, if and when he is released from prison.

- NZPA