A Tongan man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the violent rape of a displaced woman, a crime that was only interrupted when a neighbor knocked on the door, causing him to flee naked into the night.
The Whangārei District Court heard that Semisi Tuivai, 20, not only raped the victim but also forced her into oral sex during the assault, the NZ Herald reported.
The attack came to an abrupt end when a neighbour’s unexpected knock at the door startled Tuivai, who then ran from the scene without clothing.
His discarded clothes were later found outside the building, and DNA evidence conclusively linked him to the crime.
During sentencing, Tuivai’s lawyer, Jarred Scott, argued for a reduced sentence, citing his client’s young age and limited English proficiency. Scott also presented a letter of remorse, which he said was difficult for Tuivai to prepare due to language barriers.
However, Crown prosecutor Danette Cole strongly opposed any leniency, stating that Tuivai was “too old to be considered a youth” and emphasising the severity of the attack.
Justice John McDonald ultimately sided with the prosecution, imposing a seven-year prison term and noting the traumatic impact on the victim.
Judge McDonald said this was a home invasion committed by Tuivai for the sole purpose of obtaining non-consensual sex.
“You accept she did not consent,” Judge McDonald said.
“She was surprised and confronted by you, a much larger and powerfully built man
The court heard that Tuivai was in New Zealand from Tonga, working at the Marsden Point refinery.
The living complex where he resided was adjacent to a block of emergency housing units occupied by the victim.
