Two men from the Ashburton District made their first appearance in the Ashburton District Court on Monday on unrelated rape and sex charges. Both were granted interim name suppression to protect the complainants.

A 23-year-old man faces charges from three different victims dating from 2017 to 2023. The allegations include two charges of rape (one of a girl under 16), three of sexual violation, one of indecent assault, and a charge of family violence and impeding his partner's breathing.

Judge Jane Farish remanded the man without plea to allow him to get legal advice. His bail conditions include residing at his home address and not associating with any witnesses or the complainants.

A 36-year-old man appeared on three charges of rape of a girl under 12 and one unlawful sexual connection.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2019 and 2021.

The Court was told that the man had previous charges of indecent assault dating back to 2019 to 2022.

He was remanded on bail without plea to seek legal advice.

The man's bail conditions include a residence clause, a requirement not to contact the complainant or witnesses, as well as a condition that he is not to be alone or unsupervised with female children under the age of 16.

The judge agreed to grant interim name suppression for both men but made it clear that the order was to protect the complainants and not the offenders. Both suppression orders will be reviewed at the next court appearance - both are due to appear again on January 22 next year.

If found guilty, both men face a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail.

By Sharon Davis