Turangi attack: Teen sentenced to 10 years(+video)

The 16-year-old boy charged with a brutal rape of a 5-year-old girl at a Turangi campground has been jailed for 10 years.

The teenager can now be revealed as Raurangi Mark Marino after name suppression lapsed this morning.

Details of the brutal attack were revealed in court this morning.

The court heard Marino punched and choked the girl, resulting in her losing four teeth. She also suffered internal injuries as a result of the rape.

He was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court this morning by Judge Phillip Cooper.

Marino previously pleaded guilty to one charge each of sexual violation by rape, causing grievous bodily harm and burglary.

The 5-year-old tourist was attacked as she slept in a caravan at a Turangi campground on December 21.

She suffered serious injuries, including head and facial injuries and had to undergo four hours of surgery at Waikato Hospital. Police described her injuries as "significant and heartwrenching''.

The girl's parents were at the sentencing via video link.

The court heard Marino had drunk 20 to 30 bottles of beer as well as RTDs in the eight to 10 hours before the attack.

The starting point for sentencing was 18 years but Judge Cooper gave Marino credit for his youth, remorse and guilty pleas.

Detective Inspector Mark Loper, who led the investigation, said in a statement after the sentencing he was pleased the girl's family had been spared the ordeal of a trial.

"First and foremost my thoughts are with the young girl and her family. They have gone through a terrible ordeal that will no doubt be with them for a long time to come.

"It was an emotional investigation at a very poignant time of year, touching the hearts of so many. New Zealand,

particularly the community of Turangi, was watching and waiting with baited breath for an early resolution and I am extremely proud of the committed and dedicated team who brought about that timely result.

"Many of the staff working on the investigation are parents themselves and not one of them hesitated to give up quality time with their own families over Christmas to bring some peace of mind to so many others.

"On a final note it is important to acknowledge the communities in which we all live and work. The support shown to the police and the family through out was overwhelming and we have seen that generosity continue with the recent announcement by the family that they are donating a large amount of the trust money back to worth while causes in New Zealand.''