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Radio New Zealand - Wellington
11 December 2007

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Authority praises inquiry into

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has praised the police investigation into allegations of sexual offending by former assistant commissioner Clint Rickards and other officers.

The authority says Operation Austin was of a high standard for a criminal investigation of its scale that looked at events that occurred so long ago. It does not accept Mr Rickards' assertion that the operation was "a shambles".

Operation Austin was established in February 2004 to investigate allegations of sexual offending in the early 1980s by Mr Rickards and former colleagues Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum against Rotorua woman Louise Nicholas.

The operation also considered a large number of claims of sexual offending against other women by the three men and other officers in the 1980s.

Mr Rickards and his co-defendants were found not guilty.

Authority head Justice Lowell Goddard said the review, released on Monday, considered all aspects of Operation Austin, including its integrity, standard of investigation and whether there was any evidence of bias.

It says the decision to prosecute was made after a thorough, independent and objective analysis of all available evidence by the Crown solicitor in Christchurch.

Ms Nicholas says the report bolsters her renewed faith in the police force. She says it shows in no uncertain terms that the investigation was carried out to the highest standard.

Police deputy commissioner Rob Pope expressed delighted at the finding, saying the investigation team has received well-deserved praise after showing integrity and unflagging commitment.

ACT Party leader and MP for Epsom, Rodney Hide, says he has no regrets about helping Mr Rickards.

Mr Hide says Mr Rickards is a resident of Epsom and came to see him as his local MP. He says he helped Mr Rickards write letters to Police Minister Annette King.

Mr Hide says his office is open to any constituents who are going through a tough time. He helps a lot of people and it does not mean he agrees or disagrees with their actions.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says he has supported Mr Rickards' extended family.

Mr Rickards, who was twice cleared of sex charges before resigning last month, thanked Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Mr Horomia for their support.

Mr Horomia expressed surprise at Mr Rickards' remarks, saying he has not supported the former police officer publicly.

He says some of Mr Rickards' extended family live in his constituency, and he has certainly supported them, as he does with all families facing trying times.

Mr Horomia says he does not back Mr Rickards' comments calling Ms Nicholas a liar.

Ms Mahuta has refused to comment.

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Radio New Zealand - Wellington11 December 2007

Authority praises inquiry into

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Radio New Zealand - Wellington
11 December 2007