Auckland, April 15 NZPA - A 34-year-old man charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl had his interim name suppression lifted and then reimposed in the Auckland District Court today.

Judge Josephine Bouchier had lifted name suppression, but his lawyer Mele Tuilotolava appealed the decision, so Judge Bouchier then granted interim name suppression until 4pm on Friday, when the appeal is heard.

The man faces five charges -- sexual violation by rape, two counts of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection and one of detaining a girl with intent to have sexual connection.

He was also charged with intent to facilitate sexual violation through stupefying the girl by rendering her incapable of resistance, by forcing her to smoke cannabis.

Ms Tuilotolava told the court: "We're at the beginning of a long road to the end of this case. The charges are indictably laid so there will be a jury trial.

"This case has attracted a lot of media attention and releasing his name may jeopardise a fair trial."

"He has family who are obviously not going to be unaffected by the publication of his image and name.

"The most significant legal concept is the presumption of innocence. He's not yet been convicted of anything.

"This is going to affect his personal life dramatically until he has his day in court," Ms Tuilotolava said.

A Samoan interpreter translated the case for the accused. Judge Bouchier lifted the ban on photographic media coverage, as she believed there was sufficient time for his family to be advised.

Judge Bouchier refused the bail application and the man was remanded in custody until his next appearance for a pre-depositions hearing on May 27. He has not yet entered a plea.

The girl was allegedly attacked in the Point Chevalier-Waterview area of Auckland on Sunday, after she was followed from the shops for about a kilometre to a BP station on Great North Rd in Waterview.

After the man stopped in the service station to buy a few things, the girl was taken back along Great North Rd and police have alleged she was dragged into the Oakley Creek Walkway and raped.

The victim was left deeply traumatised by the incident.

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