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Child sex
abuse hysteria and the Ellis case |
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The wisdom of
Gordon Waugh - Index |
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Congratulations for
your courage and sense of fair play in making public the facts behind David
Dougherty's case. All that evidence was available at trial, but not used
because the prosecution had a mind-set. The Evidence Act does
not demand corroboration, and police policy is to believe every complainant.
These systemic faults combine to encourage complaints. They create a
presumption of guilt and sabotage thorough, neutral and objective
investigation techniques. Dougherty was presumed guilty merely because an
11-year-old girl pointed the finger. Five Gisborne policemen
suffered the effects of a similar mind-set. They were acquitted. Police
Commissioner Peter Doone said they had been exonerated by their acquittal.
Police funds paid their legal costs, and compensation is being considered. Dougherty and many
other innocent men have been acquitted, but not exonerated or compensated.
They pay their own legal fees. When the power of the
state has been used to prosecute the innocent, compensation should be
complete, automatic and applied without delay. Justice Minister Graham
has lost touch with society and reality. He would serve the country well by
paying Dougherty, and others, compensation for state-inflicted damage.
Continued refusal is unreasonable. |
