Allegations of Sexual Abuse

False Allegations

Michael Neville case



One News
December 3 2004

Acquitted teacher considering action

Horowhenua teacher Michael Neville, who was acquitted of indecently assaulting four young girls, may take action against the police.

Neville's lawyer Bruce Squire QC, said the trial took a huge toll on Neville and aspects of the police inquiry were "less than satisfactory."

On Thursday, a jury at the Palmerston North District Court found Neville not guilty of indecently assaulting four girls under the age of 12, who had he had touched them in class. Neville's family and supporters cheered as each of the verdicts was read.

Outside court, Neville said he felt alive again following the 17-month ordeal. But his supporters are critical of the police investigation.

Neville's brother Tony said the police took a "Starsky and Hutch" approach and treated his brother as a paedophile from the start.  "It was more of a witch-hunt than an investigation."

In the middle of last year, parents were given an investigation outline by police. It said a sexual assault had taken place, yet at that stage no charges had been laid against Neville.

"I think they basically ran a campaign as opposed to an objective, impartial assessment of what was going on," supporter Ian McIntosh said.

Helen McIntosh said police seemed determined to find something. "Like the hotline on the radio that there had been charges against Neville, and if you had any complaints to ring up the hotline."

The court heard Neville was highly respected by parents and teachers as having a knack of getting the best out of young children. "It was always what you do with kids, give them a hug you know, give them a pat on the back," Helen McIntosh said.

Two of the complainants, both girls aged under 12, claimed Neville had touched them on their genitals.

One said he touched her "in places you're not supposed to" and said "he apologised to me the next morning".

But the assistant principal gave evidence that neither of the girls could be relied on to tell the truth. Neville's school is now deciding whether he will get his job back.

Police said their investigation was professional and thorough.