The man responsible for the sexual assault on a woman in her Waitangirua home in June has been sentenced in the Wellington District Court today.
The 40-year-old Johnsonville man has been sentenced today to 11 years 6 months on charge of rape, abduction, aggravated wounding, threatening to kill, burglary and three sexual violation offences.
Detective Nicola Holroyd says the sentencing today is a further step in the recovery process for the victim who has displayed amazing strength and courage in the wake of the attack.
“This woman has given to her community her entire life and she has been overwhelmed and humbled by the love and support she has received from her family, friends and the community since the attack,” said Detective Holroyd.
The attack in June significantly impacted the Waitangirua community but is thankfully a rare occurrence. However incidents such as these are a timely reminder to all that basic and personal security, including exercising caution when dealing with unknown people knocking at the door, is important.
“Hopefully the swift arrest and now sentencing of this attacker is reassuring for the community and their feeling of safety.”
Detective Holroyd says the response from the community to the attack has been heartening as they have come together to provide support not only to the victim and her family but for each other.
“The New Zealand Police motto is safer communities together, this display of community strength and their response after this incident shows how the community contributes to this motto and our mission to be the safest country,” says Detective Holroyd.
Following the sentencing the victim of this attack has asked to release the below statement on their behalf.
Victim statement
After having survived a recent attack and sexual assault in my home, I have been overwhelmed by the show of support and compassion from my Porirua community.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me during this time, from the various community groups for their generous care packages (and the beautiful homemade gifts from the children!) to my friends, family and co-workers who have rallied around me and been there for me in many different ways.
I especially want to thank my daughter and son-in-law, for taking me in when it was no longer an option for me to remain in my home.
I want to thank the strangers who have sent me flowers. I want to thank all of the people who have expressed kind words and thoughts. These have helped both myself and my family get through this tough time. My daughter gained strength and felt the love of all the online comments – we read all of them with gratitude.
The NZ Police have done a wonderful job. I thank them for their prompt response and action. I am especially grateful to Detective Nicola Holroyd for her sensitivity and dedication to helping me heal in this process.
Thank you again to everyone, who has helped me. I really am amazed.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.