NZ sexual assault victim named

http://ift.tt/1sw9DUe WELLINGTON: The woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted by the Malaysian High Commission’s defence staff assistant Muhammad Rizalman Ismail can now be named. Tania Rose Billingsley, 21, waived her right to name suppression at the Wellington District Court today. The identity of a complainant in certain sexual cases is automatically suppressed. But in court today, Judge Bruce Davidson granted an application from Billingsley for her name suppression to be lifted. Lawyer Barbara Hunt held a watching brief for Rizalman. She was also at last week’s hearing about the suppression of Rizalman’s name. Asked by Judge Davidson whether she had heard anything about Rizalman returning to New Zealand, Hunt said it was likely she would be his preferred lawyer if he returned. According to the Dominion Post, she had made inquiries at the Malaysian High Commission but had received no response. Rizalman was arrested on May 10 after the alleged attack on the woman in her Wellington home. Rizalman left New Zealand without facing trial after Malaysia invoked diplomatic immunity. Foreign Minister Murray McCully has been sharply criticised for the handling of the case. Rizalman is expected to return to New Zealand to face trial on charges, including assault with intent to commit rape. He has been undergoing psychiatric evaluation in a military hospital in Kuala Lumpur.



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