What began as a night of drinking ended in a courtroom, where a jury was tasked with untangling blurred memories and conflicting accounts of an alleged sexual assault.
With all three central figures unable to recall key moments, the jury found the Crown had not proved its case and found both accused men not guilty.
Inoke Nakadavotu, 28 and Cameron Hill, 27 have been on a trial at the Whangārei District Court charged with one charge each of unlawful sexual connection by sexual violation.
The Crown viewed Nakadavotu as the principal offender who committed the act, while Hill was equally liable for allegedly encouraging him.
New Zealand Herald reports that last week several witnesses gave evidence, including the woman, about the night she went home with Hill after meeting up with him and his Mid Northern rugby player friends at a bar in Whangārei.
She went knowing she was having consensual sex with Hill, however, afterwards she said she woke to Nakadavotu in the bed with her and touching her in a sexual manner.
She made a statement a year later but it was another year until Nakadavotu and Hill were interviewed by police on camera.
Source: NZ Herald
