|
|
Allegations
of Sexual Abuse |
|
|
|
|
The High Court has
moved to dampen publicity surrounding historical sex allegations against
police officers in Rotorua. Louise Nicholas'
allegations against Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards and former
policemen Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum are scheduled to be tested in a High
Court trial at Auckland in March. Justice Tony Randerson yesterday
bolstered already extensive suppression orders attached to the case at the
end of a three-day hearing at the High Court in Auckland, where lawyers had
canvassed preliminary matters. The judge reserved his
decision on various pretrial applications. The suppression orders were
reviewed at the request of both prosecution and defence lawyers, who had
raised concerns that further publicity could affect the trial. All other details of
the case, its history and the matters canvassed in pre-trial applications
cannot be published tilltill further court order. The orders prevent the
reporting of aspects of the case that might be canvassed in other court
proceedings. The name of a
particular witness has also been suppressed. Justice Randerson said
the sole purpose of the orders was to ensure the trial could proceed fairly,
for both the prosecution and defence. |
