KEY POINTS:
Former top policeman Clint Rickards was advised to suddenly pull the plug on a radio interview he had given on why he resigned because it could have breached the terms of his settlement, the Herald has learned.
The interview was recorded on Sunday night with Maori radio station Radio Waatea and was due to air yesterday morning.
It was to include Mr Rickards saying he quit his job because of the continuing strain on his family and that he supported jailed rapists Brad Shipton and Robert Schollum.
But the Herald understands Radio Waatea broadcaster Willie Jackson was contacted yesterday morning by Mr Rickards and his legal team, who asked him not to play the interview shortly before it was to go to air.
A source said it was understood to be because it would jeopardise the terms of Mr Rickards' departure and jeopardise his settlement.
Mr Rickards' lawyer, John Haigh, QC, and the police refused to comment yesterday when asked if the interview's content breached any agreement between the two parties.
Another of Mr Rickards' lawyers, Billy Boyd, would not comment when asked if his legal counsel were aware the former assistant commissioner and Auckland district commander was taking part in the interview.
In a preview of the interview published in yesterday's Herald, Jackson indicated Mr Rickards would say he had quit for the sake of his whanau.
"The overwhelming message that comes through to me from the interview was the importance of his family, rather than continuing to fight with Louise Nicholas and the police," he said.
This differed from the press release issued by Mr Haigh last week which said the primary reason for Mr Rickards' resignation was that "both parties believe that maintenance of confidence by the New Zealand public in its police service is of paramount importance".
Jackson told his listeners he would respect the request and not broadcast what was Mr Rickards' first media interview since announcing his resignation.
"Unfortunately his legal team has stepped in and are recommending not to play it so I will be going by that recommendation."
He hoped to play the interview in the future "but certainly it's not going to be today and I'm not going to talk about it".
Police spokesman Jon Neilson said police did not ask Mr Rickards and his lawyers to have the broadcast pulled.
He would not comment on whether the broadcast would have breached any agreement reached with police or if it would have had an effect on any settlement with Mr Rickards, citing confidentiality requirements.
