One News
April 4, 2004

Powell denies rape allegations

The latest senior police officer to be accused of serious sexual misconduct says he has not committed any such offence.

The police commissioner's office says sexual misconduct allegations have been made against the Waikato Commander, Kelvin Powell.

Superintendent Powell was stood down from duty in February after police began its inquiry into claims by Louise Nicholas, that three officers raped her in the1980s.

Mr Powell was considered to be an individual of interest in the Louise Nicholas case.

Now police say a former policewoman has accused Mr Powell of committing a sexual offence against her, about 20 years ago.

But his lawyer Susan Hughes says they have not heard from the police commissioner's office and are still seeking details of the claim.