New Zealand: Farmer accused of rape and bestiality

In New Zealand, a farmer is facing serious charges of raping his wife and stepdaughter over many years. He is also accused of bestiality.

The man is being tried in the Whangārei District Court and faces 38 charges, including 15 for rape, one for bestiality with cows, and one for indecent acts with calves.

His stepdaughter testified that the abuse began when she was younger than 10 years old and continued almost every night for the next ten years. The prosecutor stated that the victim did not speak earlier because of her love for her stepfather and confusion about her bodily reactions.

According to the Daily Mail, the accused allegedly believed that rape does not exist and that women eventually enjoy it.

The farmer's lawyer called the bestiality charges "nonsense," claiming that the sexual contact with his stepdaughter was consensual after she turned 16.