|
|
Allegations
of Sexual Abuse |
|
|
|
|
A karakia rang out from
the Auckland courthouse and it was standing room only inside as jurors began
deliberating on Louise Nicholas' claims of police rape. Relatives of Assistant
Police Commissioner Clint Rickards performed the prayer, and a strong family
turnout supported co-accused Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton. After deliberating for
nine hours, the jury in the High Court at Auckland retired just before 10pm
and were sequestered to a hotel. They will resume today at 9am to decide 20
sex charges relating to Mrs Nicholas' allegations that she was raped 20 years
ago, when all three men were police officers. Thirty minutes before
the jury retired, supporters of the three accused sang How Great Thou Art,
some in Maori, at the courthouse. A kaumatua led a prayer for the jury of
seven women and five men to have wisdom and strength and for all those
involved in the trial to find peace. Earlier, the jury had a
question for Justice Tony Randerson relating to evidence that has been
suppressed. |
