A woman who gave evidence for rapist Nyal Heke could end up joining him behind bars.
At sentencing yesterday, Judge Michael Crosbie said the evidence given by the defence witness might come in for further scrutiny by police.
"It is evidence in my view that raises some issues that will require further examination and perhaps investigation in relation to the witness concerned," Judge Crosbie said.
The victim, who was raped twice on the same night by Heke, said she had never met him before, and that she worked out his identity with the help of friends.
However, a witness called by Heke told the jury the three of them had gone to a lookout together in a car and consumed alcohol some weeks before the incident.
It was "an attempt to attack [the victim’s] credibility", the judge said.
But the defence witness’ story was not in accord with that of the defendant and the prosecution labelled it "unreliable".
The Otago Daily Times yesterday asked police whether they were investigating a potential case of perjury.
"It is not appropriate for police to comment on any suggestion of further judicial proceedings," a spokeswoman said.
Perjury carries a maximum term of seven years’ imprisonment.
