Renegade Tamarangi to face trial for alleged assault, animal cruelty, sexual assault, make threat to rape and kidnap

A Richmond man who allegedly kidnapped a woman, raped and waterboarded her, also punched and strangled a cat.

Renegade Tamarangi

A Richmond man who allegedly kidnapped a woman and raped her also punched and strangled a cat, a court has heard.

Renegade Tamarangi faced a committal hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday via a video link from custody.

The 36-year-old has been charged with a string of offences, including sexual assault, rape, animal cruelty, kidnapping, possessing a firearm and drugs.

Police allege that between June and December last year, Mr Tamarangi unlawfully imprisoned, sexually assaulted, raped and caused injury to a woman.

He also allegedly assaulted, punched, strangled and threw a cat in Richmond in July last year.

It is also alleged that Mr Tamarangi engaged in reckless conduct in December 2023 by forcing water into the woman’s mouth for 10 to 20 seconds, which placed her in danger of serious injury.

He also allegedly kidnapped a woman, “depriving her of her liberty” and raped her in Richmond.

The 36-year-old has also been accused of dealing with $10,000 which is suspected to be proceeds of crime, threat to rape, possessing a double-barrel shotgun and meth possession.

On Wednesday, Mr Tamarangi pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court heard there was enough evidence for a trial.

Mr Tamarangi will face the County Court for a directions hearing to stand trial in May.