Bikers rescue woman from alleged sex attack
14 February 2005
By JAMES HEFFIELD
Ten Wellington-based Harley-Davidson motorbike club
members have been praised by police for rescuing a woman under attack.
Detective Carl Moon said the actions of the men – in Hamilton for their
national rally over the weekend – were heroic. "If it were not for their
actions, this incident could have been a lot more serious," he said.
The woman had been walking home early on Sunday
morning near Waikato Stadium when she was attacked by a man.
Her cries for help were heard by the bikers, who were
staying in a motel nearby.
They chased and caught a man and held him until police
arrived.
Mr Moon said the woman, while extremely traumatised,
was thankful to the riders.
A 37-year-old Hamilton man was to appear in Hamilton
District Court today charged with assault with intent to commit sexual
violation.
More than 1200 riders and their American motorcycles
spent the weekend in the city. Rally organiser Mike Lingard said he was not
surprised at the bikers' actions.
"We are just another one of the Joe Public, caring
about everybody else." Harley owners these days came from all walks of life.
Mr Lingard said the rally had run like a dream.
He had heard nothing but positive feedback, and the
venue, entertainment and interest from the public were all "fantastic", he
said.
The Thunder Ride, involving more than 1000 motorbikes
taking to the road, was particularly spectacular, he said. The rally raised
$1800, which would be used to buy books for Kawhia Primary School.
Meanwhile, a second motorcycle rally in Cambridge
ensured bikers ruled the roost throughout the Waikato over the weekend.
Hundreds of vintage bikes rode into Cambridge on
Saturday for the beginning of the 19th National Motorcycle Rally.
Owners of vintage motorbikes – one built in 1912 –
were in town to compete and show off their machines.
It was the first time Cambridge had hosted the event,
which was organised by the Waikato chapter of the Veteran Vintage Car Club
of New Zealand.
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