Vitale Tiole faces Coffs Harbour court accused of raping 17-year-old girl at Arrawarra
A man has faced court charged with raping a teenage girl in broad daylight at a little coastal town beset by anti-social behaviour in recent months. Here’s the latest.
Coffs Harbour
Don't miss out on the headlines from Coffs Harbour. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A man has faced court charged with raping a teenage girl in broad daylight at a tiny coastal town beset by anti-social behaviour in recent months.
Vitale Tiole is facing two charges in relation to an alleged incident at Arrawarra on November 10, between 7.30am and 8.30am.
The 34-year-old is charged with having sexual intercourse without consent with a 17-year-old girl, who was allegedly dragged into bushes around Arrawarra Beach.
Tiole has also been charged with aggravated sex assault – deprive liberty.
He faced Coffs Harbour Local Court, represented by defence lawyer Peter Hudson.
Bail was not applied for and it was refused.
Tiole was remanded in custody on November 14 and the case was adjourned to January 9.
The village of Arrawarra about 30 minutes north of Coffs Harbour has long been considered one of the jewels in the crown of the Coffs Coast, with its creek meandering to the sea and a relaxed beachside vibe.
But in recent months its been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
It’s been dubbed ‘the Aussie paradise turned shanty town’ due to a contentious influx of seasonal fruit pickers.
Concerned residents claim Arrawarra Beach Holiday Park is operating beyond its remit – and is now home to 100 blueberry farm workers, with a further 100 or so backpackers staying at an adjacent surf camp.
Issues centre on anti-social behaviour, rubbish, noise and a general strain on the village’s infrastructure.
Another major concern is that the holiday park is the only access point to the beach, with locals having to walk through the park they say is becoming increasingly unsightly, littered with shipping containers, makeshift awnings and rubbish.
Frantic search: Man missing in surf after Boxing Day swim
A young man is presumed to be missing in the ocean on the state’s North Coast after a Boxing Day swim, with a search and rescue mission currently underway. Here’s what we know.
Alleged drunk driver smashes into ditch with dog on board
An allegedly drunk driver lost control and veered off the road, slamming into trees on the state’s Mid-North Coast late on Thursday night with a dog on board.