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Rapist moves next door to victim

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Thu, 08 Dec 2011 9:12a.m.

(Reuters file)

(Reuters file)

A convicted rapist has moved in next door to the Invercargill woman who was his victim seven years ago, but there is little police can do about it.

Craig James Crofts, 48, was sentenced to four years' jail in 2004 after admitting raping the woman.

Crofts told The Southland Times he knew her address when he moved next door about three months ago, but claimed he had nowhere else to go.

The woman told the paper the rape ordeal came flooding back when she discovered Crofts had moved in.

"When I see him I feel very shaky and that's how he affects me, it just brings everything back - I hate him living next to me."

She has an indefinite protection order in place against Crofts, but it does not specifically say he cannot not live beside her.

The two residences are so close that Crofts can see directly into the front window of his former victim's flat.

Crofts has an extensive criminal history, which also includes being jailed for 12 months last year after continually returning to another woman's house to steal her underwear and later returning with some of the underwear ripped and hanging it on her clothesline.

The sentencing judge said Crofts was a high-risk recidivist offender with borderline intellectual function. He had limited controls and a strong sexual drive.

Police visited Crofts and advised him to move out, but he had not.

Southern District police area commander Inspector Lane Todd said police had no legislative power to prevent Crofts from living next door.

A spokeswoman for Police Minister Judith Collins said people could apply for protection orders if they felt they were at risk.

NZN

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Comments

09 Dec 2011 12:09p.m.

damian wrote:

i think that he should move end of story he needs to go were people of his kind belong .and that's not in the public eye there need's to be a law passed so people like him don't continued to hurt there victims in any way ......... whats this country come to when the victim lives in FEAR it's not right

09 Dec 2011 08:46a.m.

RolanTheRat wrote:

If she was that up set about it then move simple really.Yeah i know how could you say such a thing but move end of story no more seeing him.He is not a reformed rapist so get out of there.

09 Dec 2011 08:34a.m.

AJ wrote:

I've been thinking about this and have also heard the victim has been harassed, for quite some time, by associates of the rapist. Clearly the rapist is not remotely remorseful and still believes the victim is somehow at fault. Clearly his time in prison taught him nothing, and he needs to be taught a lesson.

09 Dec 2011 07:29a.m.

Petrina wrote:

Sadly, the next time we hear about this story, the woman could already be dead. But, I guess the system has covered themselves by highlighting that the offender is deemed as "HIGH RISK"?!?!?!?!?!?

08 Dec 2011 11:25p.m.

cyril wrote:

What are the chances of him moving in next door by coincidence. Nearly zero he must have done it intentianally. There should be a law against rapists being able to live in the visinity of there victims, saying he had nowhere else to go is rubbish and even if true thats his tough luck it shouldnt be his victims.

08 Dec 2011 09:54p.m.

matako blu wrote:

poor woman, first of all the rapist should still be in jail.. the attacker should not be living next to her, she would be traumatized, have high levels of stress and probably living in fear...the justice system should have ensured such a situation was avoided... but again NZ's useless justice system proves itself again...

08 Dec 2011 07:10p.m.

jeff wrote:

typical nz justice system. why is he allowed to walk the streets after such a small period of time i would sentence some one for stealing for that time not rap. as for allowing him to live this close is just not common sense he is a repeat offender who no doubt will offend again. i would move out if i was her but she has suffered enough the system is making it hard for victims and easy for offenders. sort it out

08 Dec 2011 03:50p.m.

jan wrote:

she could move, she could get security cameras, he could move, or get cameras to prove he is not doing anything. sentenced in 2004 for 4 years so he doesnt have to tell the parole board. Gary so true. Also a protection order on paper does not say he can't live next door. But if he tries to contact her in any way, she can call the police and get him arrested. This will probably hassle him to move. Judith Collins should have nothing to do with this, she is the minister, and this is an old case. All she and others who are concerned can do is to try to prevent this from occuring. Alex, yes they can do extra than what is on the protection order.

08 Dec 2011 02:42p.m.

AJ wrote:

Unbelieveable....the poor victim!

08 Dec 2011 02:08p.m.

Kevy wrote:

Nothing mentioned about the attacks on the elderly parents,nor the fools mates knocking on the door or windows at all hours trying to intimidate the victim.Politicians fear to tread where the truth shines for sure.The current mp in Invercargill is more concerned with pukeko sanctuaries than what's going on in the community.Winston will sort this out for sure.santa0007@clear.net.nz