Police interview was an unfair ambush, says Rickards

Clint Rickards is expected to take the stand in his own defence in the case alleging kidnapping and indecent assault. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Clint Rickards said the police investigation against him was unfair and that his arrest followed an attempted "ambush" interview at the Auckland central police station where he had previously been commander.

Detective Senior Sergeant Roy McGregor yesterday told the court how he met Rickards and his lawyer John Haigh, QC, at the station in March 2005 to discuss a woman's allegations of sexual violation.

Mr McGregor would not name the woman despite previous requests so Rickards refused to be interviewed.

Mr McGregor then charged Rickards with kidnapping and indecent assault, still not naming the woman.

At the time Rickards had already been charged with sex offences relating to Louise Nicholas and had been stood down from his duties, which included commanding the Auckland district.

Rickards told the detective he had no idea who the complainant was, and rejected the allegations.

Rickards then told the detective: "Due to the unfairness of this police investigation I do not intend to say anything else."

Mr Haigh yesterday questioned Mr McGregor on the "strategic" decision taken by the senior officers not to reveal the name of the woman to any of the accused, saying "it was the old ambush strategy wasn't it?"

Mr McGregor replied: "I don't think I'd use that colourful phrase Mr Haigh but it was [strategic] for a number of reasons."

Rickards is expected today to take the witness stand at the High Court in his own defence.