Rapist's sister fears for her life

A Christchurch woman is calling for police protection after receiving vigilante threats aimed at forcing her to move.

A typed note - signed "Z" - the woman found in her letterbox yesterday has left her "really afraid for my life".

The woman's house was also targeted last week by people concerned her brother - convicted sex offender Colin Davies - might be released to her address on home detention.

Davies was sentenced to seven years' jail - he is now in his fifth year - for rape, sexual violation and indecent assault on a 10-year-old girl.

The home detention application was turned down by the Parole Board but the woman, who has asked not to be identified, still feels under siege.

The note said, "Take my advice and get out of our community while you can.

"What happens next will be a shock to everyone in the community, but you know that you will be leaving."

At the parole hearing on Thursday, she retracted her offer for Davies to stay with her, on the grounds she feared for her safety.

She had come under fire from neighbours - including a policeman's wife - when they learned her brother was applying for home detention at her residence.

The issue of how information about his home detention application was leaked to the public has sparked a police inquiry led by Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Sandra Manderson.

The latest threat against the woman comes after rocks were thrown at her windows, neighbours' protests in the street and suggestions the house would be fire-bombed.

The letter, offering "advice", said: "If you think that the attacks on the house you are residing in are bad then please take this advice and get out of our street and away from our community."

"I'm living in complete fear," said Davies' sister.

"I've done nothing wrong."

Ms Manderson had given media an assurance that police would make sure the woman was all right.

- NZPA