Leading policeman cleared of rape

Superintendent Kelvin Powell denied the charge. File picture / Richard Robinson

Top ranking Waikato police officer Superintendent Kelvin Powell has been found not guilty of rape at the High Court in Hamilton.

The name of the Waikato police commander had been suppressed for the duration of the trial, which centred around historic allegations. He was stood down from his duties.

He had denied raping a former policewoman at her 21st birthday party in Rotorua in 1984.

The jury retired earlier today after Justice Rodney Hansen summed up the case.

Superintendent Powell would not comment after the verdict was reached.


- HERALD STAFF