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Television New Zealand
June 15 1993
Debate
Holmes
Precis
Remote interview with Lianne Dalziel in Christchurch and Trevor
deCleene in Wellington after concerns expressed about remarks made by
Detective Inspector Brian Pearce on the Holmes show last night over his
handling of Civic Child Care Centre abuse trial.
Shotlist
00:00 REMOTE I/V Lianne Dalziel, Christchurch
Central MP and Labour spokesperson on Justice in Christchurch and Trevor
deCleene, former Cabinet Minister and barrister in Wellington who along with
others have expressed concern about remarks made by Detective Inspector Brian
Pearce of Christchurch police who was involved in the investigation of child
abuse at the Civic Child Care Centre, expressing his own strong Christian
moral beliefs about the case.
I/V Trevor deCleene re shocked over remarks, which were judgemental, danger
in having police force, judges, anyone who takes own moral beliefs into arena
of their profession, impossible to have almost missionary zealot beliefs and
not have them influence your belief that children, women are telling the truth
on a sexual abuse charge, at stage now where protection once there to prevent
abuses of trial are whittled away, danger is if we have people with such
missionary zeal prosecuting the cases they may lose objectivity in the
pursuit of their profession.
I/V Lianne Dalziel re unfortunate that comments were made, distinction to be
made, separation between power of church, state, judiciary, case went to
court, decisions made on charges against Peter Ellis, lack of objectivity
would have been dealt with at that point, when situation as serious as child
abuse case police behoven to ensure they do thorough investigation,
particular charges (against women involved) were referred to District Court
judge, case was established, issue is whether Detective Inspector behaved in
an objective way, person entitled to have Christian moral beliefs, on issue
of call for inquiry there is ability for the individuals to lay a complaint,
an option I'm sure they're considering.
I/V Trevor deCleene re shouldn't be an inquiry, women were acquitted, freed
of charges, however are you ever free of a charge of sexual abuse, why I'm
saying, before police bring charges before Crown prosecutors authorise them,
got to be a great deal more scrutiny of children who make allegations, I wouldn't
(if in charge, have allowed Detective Inspector Pearce in charge of this
inquiry, having knowledge of his moral views) would put him in charge of
burglary or murder which does not require a more judgemental or zealous
approach.
I/V Lianne Dalziel re don't favour a public inquiry, range of interests to
protect, children who were sexually abused, their families, people of
Christchurch want to put matter behind them, get on with healing process .
5:00 END.
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