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Allegations
of Sexual Abuse |
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The top police officer
facing rape and indecent assault charges in the High Court in Auckland
may face a reprimand for wearing his police uniform in the dock. Assistant police commissioner
Clinton Rickards, together with two former police officers Bradley
Shipton and Bob Schollum, are accused of committing 20 sex offences between
1985 and 1986. They deny the charges
of rape, indecent assault and unlawful sexual connection, including the
use of a police baton. The offences are
alleged to have taken place when the three accused were working in Rotorua
and the complainant Louise Nicholas was 18. Rickards appeared on
the first day of the trial on Tuesday in uniform but regulations forbid
officers from wearing their uniforms while suspended. A spokesperson for the
Police Commissioners Office says Rickards has been sent a letter reminding
him of the policy. The issue is an
internal disciplinary matter. The Crown prosecutor
Brent Stanaway will give his opening address to the jury on Tuesday |
