NZ Herald
February 28, 2004
Nicholas quizzed daily by police
by Rosaleen MacBrayne
Louise Nicholas is being interviewed almost daily by police re-investigating her
historic rape allegations against members of the force.
The police interviews stem from her claim that she was violated with a police
baton and pack-raped by three police officers, Clint Rickards, Bob Schollum and
Brad Shipton, in 1986.
Police have questioned her over three weeks, since the criminal inquiry was
re-opened, and the Rotorua woman expects it to take "ages yet".
"They told me it would take a while - they're not going to leave any stone
unturned," Mrs Nicholas said yesterday.
" Her past experience of not having her
complaints dealt with thoroughly by the police put her off initially.
"But I know it has to be done."
Mrs Nicholas said detectives sat down with her for "a couple of
hours" most mornings and "the same in the afternoon, pretty much".
It was gruelling, she said, but had to be done thoroughly if a case was
eventually to go to court.
"The police have been absolutely marvellous. If I am having a hard time,
they leave me alone for a bit until I come right."
Mrs Nicholas does not know when the interviews will end, but life went on for
her, husband Ross and their three children, aged 14, 12 and 9.
"The rest of the time I go about my business. I milk cows in the morning
and at night."
As well as the criminal investigation into Mrs Nicholas' claims of rape and
sexual abuse by Rotorua and Murupara police officers
when she was young, the Government has ordered a commission of inquiry.