A 22-year-old woman was assaulted and held captive for two days by her former partner, Te Ngare Te Ake Ake, after she attempted to reconcile with him at his remote property.
Initially told to leave, she was called back, only to face brutal attacks, including punches, kicks, and a hammer blow to her face, which left her with severe injuries. Strangled to the point of losing consciousness, she endured death threats and psychological torment as he held her against her will, forcing her to fabricate messages to her family. When her mother arrived to check on her, Te Ake Ake eventually allowed her to leave.
During the court sentencing, Te Ake Ake’s lawyer argued that his actions lacked premeditation, asserting the isolation and circumstances of the property contributed to the situation. However, the Crown prosecutor highlighted the prolonged and brutal nature of the assaults. The woman now suffered from lasting trauma, including anxiety and depression.
Te Ake Ake was sentenced to four years and five months in prison.
