The Herald
February 4, 2004

Police cover-up allegations:
Nicholas account credible says counsellor
by Ainsley Thomson and NZPA

On hearing the news that the criminal investigation into the police pack-rape had been reopened and a commission of inquiry started, Margaret Craig switched off her phone and headed straight for the beach.

The past three days for the sexual abuse counsellor, who worked with Louise Nicholas - the woman at the centre of the allegations - have been a roller-coaster of emotions.

Yesterday afternoon she had a rare moment of relief from the case that has concerned her for the last 10 years.

"I just floated in the sea thinking how great it was."

Mrs Craig said she knew the families of the accused men would be suffering.

"And I really feel for them. However, this is so big and so dreadful, that I'm afraid the good of the nation has to come first. This is our police force and we rely on them every day."

In 1995, Mrs Craig had become so disturbed by Mrs Nicholas' case that she wrote a letter to police headquarters outlining her concerns about former Inspector John Dewar's influence on her client.

She did not receive a reply for five months, and then only after she had approached headquarters again.

In a letter she wrote to Police Commissioner Rob Robinson on Sunday, she said the reply that she had eventually received reinforced everything she had ever studied about people in organisational systems "covering their backs".

"Today, I strongly believe that had your staff contacted me and spoken to me about my very real concerns (outlined in letter August 31, 1995), this weekend's revelations may not have been necessary."

Mrs Craig said Mrs Nicholas' accounts were credible.

"I have had people in the past in my office with these sorts of stories and I have felt that they've been somewhat shaky or there's been some concerns that I've had," Mrs Craig said. "But I never ever had any with Louise."

Mrs Craig said she remained in daily contact with Mrs Nicholas.

At the time Mrs Craig was counselling Mrs Nicholas, the rape complaints were being investigated by Mr Dewar.

Mrs Craig said Mr Dewar was picking up Mrs Nicholas, then aged 26, from her home and taking her to lunch before bringing her to counselling.

"That began to concern me because I knew she was very vulnerable."

Mr Dewar has strenuously denied claims that he was responsible for a cover-up of Mrs Nicholas' complaint