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Allegations of abuse
by NZ Police |
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peterellis homepage / police allegations / Louise
Nicholas vs John Dewar |
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Ex-police officer John Dewar has
taken the stand in his own defence. He is on trial for four charges of
obstructing the course of justice to do with covering up allegations of
sexual abuse made by Louise Nicholas. Dewar maintains there was no cover
up. John Dewar spent 15 years on the
police force and is no stranger to giving evidence - but not, until today, in
his own defence. He told the court he has never
obstructed the course of justice. Louise Nicholas claims she told
Dewar she had been raped by then serving police officers Bob Schollum, Brad
Shipton and Clint Rickards. But Dewar denied Nicholas had told
him about the rape allegation. Dewar says he asked Nicholas about
what she had said on oath. Dewar's lawyer asked why, even if
Nicholas would not talk, Dewar had not followed the matter up - Dewar says it
was his decision and he has no regrets. In a heated cross examination,
crown prosecutor Brent Stanaway asked why Dewar had sat in the public gallery
for the rape trials of Rickards, Shipton, Schollum - accusing him of being
there to support his friends. The trial is expected to wrap up
tomorrow with closing arguments |
