"Hamilton Police identify serial rapist"

On 2 August 2007 Hamilton Police announced concerns that a serial rapist was operating in Hamilton city. Three sexual attacks had been linked to one offender, and from that point a significant and large investigation followed.

In the course of that investigation Police undertook a large amount of forensic investigation, including criminal profiling, and compiled and prioritised a significant list of nominated persons who were considered by the public or investigators as the likely offender.

Over time, more than 700 DNA samples were taken, without success.

Early in the investigation Police, through Interpol, lodged a DNA profile of the offender with some overseas countries and authorities, to address the possibility that the offender had travelled outside New Zealand.

In 2015 Hamilton Police received advice that the DNA profile loaded on the Australian DNA Crime Scene databank for Operation Phil had been matched to a Perth-based New Zealand man. Upon receipt of this information Hamilton Police immediately began proceedings under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1992, which facilitates information and evidence being legally passed between Australia and New Zealand.

Upon receiving the final information this month, ESR was able to complete their analysis and confirm the DNA identification of the ex-pat New Zealander as the person responsible for the sexual attacks in Hamilton in 2007.

“Although the alleged offender in this matter has been identified by Police, he is not able to be named, as he is not convicted of these offences,” says Detective Inspector Chris Page.

“I can advise that at the time of the offending the man was 28 years old, a local Hamilton resident, and employed as a bouncer in the local night clubs. He left New Zealand in June 2008 and went to Australia. He came to the attention of the West Australian Police in May 2013, when he was dealt with for a minor non-sexual offence. The man died, in non-suspicious circumstances, in July 2013.”

“This man was not on Police’s list of nominated persons, and there is nothing in his background or circumstances to suggest that he should have been.”

“While he was known to Police, his background does not contain any indicator or features that would draw attention to his likelihood as an offender for these terrible offences.

Police will be undertaking further work with criminal profilers in order to get a better understanding about the circumstances that led to this significant offending,” says Mr Page.

“Investigations have been undertaken this week with the man’s family. Naturally, they are distraught about the news regarding his activities.”

Police have also spent a significant amount of time with the victims this week, and have advised them of the outcome. Mr Page says the victims are grateful to have received the news, and for Police’s work on their cases.

“Each of them is still coming to terms with the serious trauma inflicted by this offender. However, I hope today’s news allows them - and others in the Hamilton community who remain strongly affected by these offences - to no longer be fearful.”

Mr Page would also like to acknowledge the support of the media during Operation Phil, and thank you for your help in getting safety messages to the Hamilton community.

As the alleged offender is now deceased, Hamilton Police will be closing this file.

ENDS

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