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Allegations of Sexual
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Photo - Relief: Top
jockey Michael Walker A woman was charged with making a
false complaint over an allegation she made against top jockey Michael Walker
on Friday morning. Sunday News understands Walker was
escorted by police from his motel to Hastings police station after the
21-year-old woman laid the complaint. His motel room was searched by
police. Walker - New Zealand's top jockey
-was released without being charged. But the woman was charged
yesterday and is due to appear at Napier district court on Wednesday. "She has been charged with
making a false complaint," Napier detective Daryl Moore told Sunday News
last night. "As a result of an incident
in Hastings, a complaint was made to police. "Subsequent to our investigations,
she has been arrested and charged with making a false complaint to
police." Moore would not confirm the
subject of the woman's complaint had been Walker, but said the subject was
relieved the woman was charged. "It is now up to the courts
to determine if this woman is guilty," Moore said. Walker, 22, had been enjoying an
evening out with mates in swanky Havelock North bar Turks on Thursday night. Witnesses told Sunday News the
jockey and four friends arrived at the bar about 8pm and drank vodka and
pineapple juice until midnight. "They were just like any
other punter in here, having a good time and a few laughs," said one
witness who declined to be named. Walker was riding in yesterday's
Stoney Bridge Stakes Premiere Race Day at Hastings Raceway. Approached by Sunday News at the
race track, Walker declined to comment. "I don't want to talk about
that," he said. Matamata-based Walker is a
prodigiously-gifted jockey whose skills allow him to win races from seemingly
impossible positions on the track. He was the country's top jockey by age 16.
Walker yesterday competed in eight
races at the Stoney Bridge Stakes, winning one, coming second in another, and
running third in two others. |
