Nelson man arrested for brutal attack at Victory gardens

A 22 year old Nelson man has been arrested this morning and charged in relation to the brutal attack and rape of a 62 year old woman at the Victory Community Gardens on New Year’s Day.

Detective Sergeant Ian Langridge said the breakthrough came as a result of DNA evidence gathered which matched that of the man now in Police custody.

He said the man was on the Police suspect list prior to the DNA match being discovered.

The man has been charged with: Kidnapping, Aggravated Injuring, Injuring with Intent to Injure, Indecent Assault and four counts of Sexual Violation.

He has been remanded in custody to appear in the Nelson District Court later today.

Detective Sergeant Langridge said the victim had been informed and she was very relieved to hear the news.

“Her relief is shared by our entire investigation team who have put in some long hours since this terrible incident on New Year’s Day. I’m sure the people of Nelson will also be very relieved to know we have this man in custody.”

Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Steve Greally congratulated the investigation team for their work.

"This crime was particularly heinous in nature and generated a great deal of emotion within the wider Nelson community and particularly within the Victory area. I would like to congratulate and thank Detective Sergeant Ian Langridge and his investigation team for the countless hours they invested to enable an arrest.

“I would also like to thank members of the community for their assistance in resolving this matter. I have said it before, that police cannot work without the assistance of the community and we are very grateful for the support we get in Nelson Bays,” he said.

Inspector Greally said there was still a lot of work required in the prosecution phase of the investigation and that was where Police would now be focusing their efforts.