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Allegations of abuse
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peterellis
Home / police allegations / Rickards,
Shipton, Schollum vs Jane Doe Page 6 - Further Reaction to
Not Guilty Verdict |
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The Law Commission says it would
welcome a directive from the government to look into what juries should be
told about defendants' previous convictions. It follows the trial of the
Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards and two former officers, on
historical sex charges. Mr Rickards was acquitted of the
charges - along with Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton - but suppression orders
prevented the jury being told that both Schollum and Shipton are serving
sentences as convicted rapists. The Prime Minister, Helen Clark,
says because of the resulting public controversy, the Law Commission may look
into whether reform is needed in this area. The Commission says it would be
happy to take the matter up, if requested. However Commission President, Sir
Geoffrey Palmer, says making such a significant change around the processes
that juries follow needs careful consideration. |
