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Allegations of abuse
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Nicholas vs John Dewar |
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Suspended police Assistant
Commissioner Clint Rickards is taking his fight to the Crown, claiming
crucial evidence was deliberately withheld during his trial this year on
historic sex charges. Rickards - who has been stood down
on full pay for the past three years - has lodged a complaint with the
Canterbury District Law Society, alleging Crown prosecutor Brent Stanaway did
not present evidence that would have been favourable to his defence during
the trial this year into historic sex claims. Stanaway rejected the allegations,
telling the Herald on Sunday:
"I responded to the complaint emphatically denying the matters
complained of. A decision of the complaints committee is awaited." Rickards' lawyer John Haigh
refused to comment, but it is understood the basis of the complaint is that
the Crown allegedly failed to disclose evidence that could have helped
Rickards prove his innocence. If the allegations are proven, Stanaway could
face a fine, censure or being struck off. The complaint is likely to widen
the rift between Rickards and his employers and potentially damage his
chances of returning to his job as Auckland's top cop. Though police are saying no
decision has been reached on Rickards facing internal disciplinary charges,
it is understood he has been formally advised he will now be required to
answer 10 charges - four more than originally thought. It is understood some of the
charges relate to his admission in court that he had sex with Louise
Nicholas, and others to comments he made outside the High Court at Auckland
in May when he called the police investigation "a shambles" and
gave his support to convicted rapists Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum. The Herald on Sunday has been told Rickards will defend the charges,
which are are the clearest indication yet that Police Commissioner Howard
Broad does not want him back in the police. If Rickards is found guilty, the
penalties can include demotion, fine or dismissal. If his defence succeeds,
police will have a difficult job not reinstating him. Since being acquitted in May on
charges of kidnapping and the indecent assault of a 16-year-old in Rotorua
between November 1983 and August 1984, Rickards has made it clear his
intention is to return to the police. But some in police circles believe the
curtain could be about to fall on his 27-year career. Although Rickards has
been acquitted in two historic sex trials, many believe he could no longer
command the respect of his fellow officers. The handling of the Louise
Nicholas rape allegations is set for another airing on Tuesday when former
Rotorua CIB head John Dewar appears on charges of attempting to obstruct or
defeat the course of justice. Dewar, who has denied the charges,
investigated the allegations by Nicholas that she was raped by Rickards,
Shipton and Schollum between September 1985 and December 1986. The trial is expected to last
three weeks. |
