A 22 year-old Nelson man has been remanded in custody after he was charged over the attack and rape of a 62-year-old woman on New Year's Day.
Nelson police arrested the man on Monday, saying he had been on their list of suspects before a DNA test was carried out.
Detective Sergeant Ian Langridge says he was charged with kidnapping, injuring with intent to injure, aggravated injuring, indecent assault and four counts of sexual violation.
He will appear in the Nelson District Court again on Tuesday.
The incident happened at the Victory Community Gardens on New Year's Day and left the woman with substantial head and facial injuries, as well as cuts and bruising to her body.
The woman had been working in the gardens alone.
