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Story summary
- Former rugby league player Tangiia Tongia was sentenced to prison for rape.
- Judge Tom Gilbert handed down the sentence in Christchurch, noting Tongia’s Cook Islands international status.
- Tongia assaulted the victim at her Christchurch home on July 1 2023.
- Crown prosecutor Will Taffs highlighted the victim’s vulnerability, home setting, violence and lasting harm as aggravating factors.
- Defence lawyer Emma Nicol argued there was no pre-meditation and submitted letters praising Tongia’s sport work.
