An orchard worker who telephoned police to report that he had been raped by a wombat has been sentenced to 75 hours community service.

In the telephone call, Arthur Craddock, aged 48, told police he was being raped by a wombat at his Motueka address, and sought their immediate help. Earlier on the same day, he had telephoned the police communications center threatening that he would 'smash the filth' if they arrived at his home that night.

In a follow up to the rape call, Craddock called police to say, "I'll retract the rape complaint from the wombat, because he's pulled out." He then went on to tell the operator, "Apart from speaking Australian now, I'm pretty all right you know, I didn't hurt my bum at all."

Police prosecutor, Chris Stringer, said that alcohol had played a big part in Craddock's life.

No, really!

Stuff.co.nz