Student on three rape charges faces court in school uniform

A 17-year-old student faced court in his school uniform yesterday charged with three counts of rape and one of indecent assault.

The youth appeared in the Auckland District Court and was remanded on bail to re-appear in November. He was granted interim name suppression.

Police allege the youth raped a 19-year-old Auckland woman three times between August 22 and August 23. He also allegedly indecently assaulted her.

He was supported in court by his mother and another female relative.

He stood silently in the dock while his lawyer discussed his bail conditions with the judge.

It is understood the youth was absent from his school all day yesterday and is believed to have surrendered himself at Auckland Central police station in the morning.

The rape complaint was laid with police the day after the assaults allegedly occurred.

Judge John Hole imposed name suppression because of the defendant's age. The suppression order will last at least until his next court appearance. The Herald opposed the order in court.

Police agreed to the youth being granted bail on three conditions:

* That he doesn't try to contact the rape-case complainant.

* That he surrendered his passport or doesn't attempt to get a new one.

* That he lives at a South Auckland address, believed to be his father's.

Detective Sergeant Andy King, of the adult sexual assault team of the Auckland City police, would not discuss details of the case as it was before the court.