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Offender Databases Matthew Tane

Matthew Raatangata Tane

Alias

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Offences

Attempted rape of a Waikato woman in February 2005
Also has other convictions for aggravated robbery, assault and offensive behaviour.

Victims

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Offender Affiliations

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Gang affiliations

none known

Age

Born 1967

Current Location

unknown

Parole/Release Dates

Sentenced to 4 years with parole eligibility after 16 months in June 2005

Background
From Waikato Times story June 4th 2005
Motorbike club members came to the aid of attempted rape victim in Hamilton. A stalker who was caught with his pants down by a group of Harley-Davidson motorbike club members was yesterday jailed for four years for attempted rape.

Matthew Raatangata Tane, 38, unemployed, admitted one charge of assault with intent to commit a rape relating to an incident in February when he stalked a woman, pulled her into bushes near Waikato Stadium and ripped her jeans and underwear off. He used such force he ripped the belt loops of her jeans. The victim struggled violently and her cries for help alerted 10 Wellington Harley-Davidson owners who were staying at a nearby motel. The motorcyclists were in Hamilton for a national Harley-Davidson rally.

They chased, caught and held the man until police arrived. In sentencing Tane in the Hamilton District Court yesterday, Judge Robert Spear said the disturbing circumstances of the case were every young woman's worst nightmare. Tane was riding a push bike and had followed the woman for some distance along Tristram St, badgering her with questions as she made her way home after a night in town.

"The question has to be asked – what was a 38 year-old man doing riding around the streets on a bicycle at 5.40am?" Judge Spear said. Tane told police the bikers caught him with his pants around his ankles because his track-pants had come down of their own accord during the struggle with the victim. Judge Spear said this demonstrated his inability to accept responsibility for his actions.

Crown prosecutor Shannon-Leigh Litt described the devastating effects the attack had had on the 23-year-old victim, who had recently arrived in New Zealand. She was hospitalised due to emotional trauma after the assault, her work had suffered, her relationship ended, she had trouble sleeping and was afraid of the dark. She was also thinking of leaving Hamilton for a fresh start in another city.

Defence lawyer Kerry Burroughs said Tane had no previous sexual convictions and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. However, Judge Spear noted Tane had previously been jailed for four years for aggravated robbery and had a record of offensive behaviour and assault.

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Corrections and Additional Information
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