Police union asked for help in sex-claims case

By JO-MARIE BROWN

At least one of the men at the centre of historic sex-attack allegations against police staff has asked the police union to help pay his legal bills.

The Police Association's Rotorua area committee has met to consider one or more applications for legal assistance, but committee chairman Scott Thompson would not say yesterday who had applied.

Auckland police commander Clint Rickards is under scrutiny as are his former police colleagues Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum.

Complainant Louise Nicholas has also accused Waikato police chief Kelvin Powell of committing sexual indecencies on her when she was aged only 13 to 15.

The actions of former Rotorua CIB chief John Dewar are also being examined as to whether he properly investigated Mrs Nicholas' original rape complaints.

Former police officers can apply to the Police Association for legal aid if their situation is a result of their police employment or if it is a matter of interest to association members.

The association helps both sworn and non-sworn police employees.

Mr Thompson would not say whether the Rotorua committee supported the application(s) but said a recommendation had been sent to head office in Wellington, where a final decision would be made.

Association president Greg O'Connor said yesterday that a recommendation had not yet arrived, but when it did the national office would decide whether legal aid should be granted.

"We take each case on its merits," Mr O'Connor said. "We don't have any blanket policies other than those general criteria."