Allegations
of Sexual Abuse |
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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 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. Just before the 6.30
dinner break last night, the jury had another question for Justice Tony
Randerson. The question related to evidence that has been suppressed. |