Visually Impaired Woman Sexually Attacked In Trentham

New Zealand Police Wellington News Release

12 July 2006

Upper Hutt Police are disgusted that a visually impaired young woman was attacked and sexually assaulted while walking home from a train early on Monday night.

They attack happened in the grounds of the now closed Brentwood School soon after 6.05pm. After the attack, the terrified young woman has walked home to call police.

Constable Christine Woodney, Upper Hutt CIB, said the victim had caught the 5.25pm train from Wellington to Upper Hutt. She got off the train at Trentham, crossed Ararino Street and walked along Tawai Street towards Fergusson Drive. At the intersection with Fergusson Drive she has walked on to Brentwood Street.

"She became aware of a young man walking near her. As she walked past the school she's been grabbed from behind and led into the school grounds where she was attacked."

Constable Woodney said the victim can only describe her attacker as a male Maori, possibly in his 20s, who was wearing a cap. The victim doesn't carry a cane, and she was dressed in a dark coloured jacket and blue jeans.

"The area from the station to the shops is pretty well lit, but beyond that the streets are much darker," Constable Woodney said. "The attack happened soon after 6pm and there would have been some people about, including other commuters coming off the train, walking or driving home.

"We're anxious to hear from anyone who remembers seeing anything untoward in the area that night, or who has any information about the offender."

People who can help are asked to call Upper Hutt CIB on 04 527 2300.

ENDS

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