Arrest in Onekawa sexual assault case

Police have arrested a 16-year-old Napier youth and charged him in relation to a sexual assault on a girl in Maadi Rd, Napier last week.

Police say there was a great response from the public after security camera photos were published in media and on Facebook today.  Information provided had been a great help to the investigating team.

The pictures were captured a few minutes before midnight on Saturday, November 24, and show a man dressed in a blue checked shirt, dark jeans and white sneakers walking around the Maadi Rd shopping centre, almost directly opposite the public toilets where the assault took place.

Detective John McGregor said the teenage girl had been walking home when she was confronted by a man she later said was also in his teens.

The victim said the man approached and threatened her with a spanner - which was later found by police at the scene.

The girl said he forced her into the toilet block where he sexually assaulted her.

Mr McGregor said while not physically injured, the girl was left "emotionally shocked".

It is understood she has since undergone counselling.

The attack happened about 1am and a member of the public who had been in the area earlier reported seeing a young man walking around the shopping area. He was described as acting "agitated".

The person who saw him said he was wearing a blue checked shirt and jeans.

Mr McGregor said the CCTV footage came from a camera in the area of the shopping centre and was "very clear".

The youth will be appearing in the Napier Youth Court tomorrow.