A New Zealand former professional football player has been pulled off a flight from Australia and charged with rape in a dramatic arrest.
The 47-year-old allegedly assaulted a 37-year-old woman on Sunday. She reported this to police on Monday morning.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reports the accused's mother bought him a one-way ticket back to New Zealand on Monday night after she learned of the rape allegation against him.
However police at the Coolangatta airport received information he was attempting to leave the country, seized the man from the flight, and charged him with rape.
The man has been released on bail after surrendering his passport.
He appears in court again on March 1.
Newshub.
