One News
August 27 2004
Police rape case delayed
The commission of inquiry into the
handling of rape complaints against police officers has been put on hold at
least till November because of fears it might interfere with criminal cases.
Earlier this month the
commissioners, Justice Bruce Robertson and Dame Margaret Bazley,
convened to discuss whether police should have name suppression and whether
evidence should be heard in private.
They have decided there will be no
automatic suppression and they will hear all evidence in public.
But they have also found that if
they hear evidence while criminal charges are pending, they could endanger the
right of any accused to a fair trial.
The commissioners have put the
inquiry on hold till November, while the police provide more details about any
charges being laid.
Attorney General, Margaret Wilson
says the delay is not unexpected.
She concedes if there are court cases to be heard, the process could take years.