Serial rapist struck again while on bail

The High Court is to consider preventive detention for a man who committed more sex offences after it ordered him released on bail.

Fanuaea Leatigaga, 20, was yesterday remanded in custody when he appeared in the Christchurch District Court.

He had admitted sex offences against five women and girls, including the rape of a pregnant 21-year-old.

Judge David Saunders referred the case to the High Court so preventive detention could be considered. He noted that when Leatigaga was first arrested he was refused bail, but the decision was overturned in the High Court.

After he was released on bail, he committed further sexual offences.

Six weeks ago, Leatigaga pleaded guilty to two rapes, three charges of sexual violation, one of indecent assault, and a burglary. He admitted another burglary yesterday.

The police summary says Leatigaga accosted a 15-year-old girl on the street and indecently assaulted her after asking her to be his girlfriend, raped one young girl after offering her a lift home, and attacked a 15-year-old girl and her 14-year-old friend in a school ground.

Ten days later, he broke into the Linwood home of a pregnant 21-year-old.

She fought him and was cut on the hand with a knife. Fearing he would kill her or harm her unborn baby, she stopped fighting. He then raped her.

Judge Saunders said reports would be prepared from two health assessors "about the likelihood of the offender committing further qualifying sexual offences.

"The level of offending was such that the Crown has properly applied for me to decline jurisdiction and send this man for sentence in the High Court where a sentence of preventive detention can be considered," said the judge.

Defence counsel Serina Bailey did not try to stop the move to the High Court.

- NZPA