A man has been has been jailed after committing two sex attacks against women nearly a year a part at the same location in Auckland’s Ōtara.
Johnathan Tamihana was yesterday sentenced to preventative detention with a non-parole period of five years at the Auckland High Court.
He had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault, threatening to kill and assault with intent to commit sexual violation.
Police began investigating the first incident on February 22, 2023 – after a French national was subjected to a sexual assault in broad daylight at the Ōtara Creek Reserve.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey said the woman was understandably distraught by what had happened to her during her visit to New Zealand.
Police were unable to identify the unknown male despite an “extensive” investigation, in which a male was located on a BMX bike on CCTV footage.
However, almost a year later on January 18, 2024, a woman reported to police she had been indecently assaulted by a man at the same reserve.
“He subjected her to a disturbing indecent assault.”
Tamihana was eventually identified as the man who carried out both attacks.
Batey said police were pleased to see justice done for the two victims.
“I acknowledge their courage in coming forward and seeing this process through.
“The attacks Tamihana has committed against these women are appalling and have no place in our community.”
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