Newstalk ZB
March 1, 2004

Dewar steps down from ambulance job

John Dewar, former detective investigated for alleged sexual misconduct, steps down from job at St John Ambulance

A former detective, under investigation over police sexual misconduct claims, has stepped aside from his job as a St John Ambulance executive.

John Dewar has taken a leave of absence while a Commission of Inquiry investigates issues stemming from Louise Nicholas' complaint of being pack-raped by Rotorua police in the 1980s.

Mr Dewar is under investigation for allegedly mishandling the original complaint.

St John chief executive Jaimes Wood says Dewar and the organisation came to a mutual agreement he would take leave from his position as Midlands Human Resources manager in Hamilton.

Mr Wood says media coverage of the allegations and the inquiry have placed Mr Dewar under a lot of pressure and he will remain on leave for as long as St John believes is appropriate.