Fahey loses honour from Queen

Convicted rapist Morgan Fahey has resigned as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at the request of the Government.

A spokesman from the Prime Minister's office said a letter was received this month from the Queen accepting Fahey's resignation from the order.

Fahey received the honour in 1977 for services to the community in his position as a general practitioner.

The former Christchurch deputy mayor was sentenced to six years' jail in June after admitting rape, sexual violation and 11 indecent assault charges dating back 30 years.

Justice Minister Phil Goff urged Fahey to give up his OBE honour after he was sentenced.

"Should he fail to do so, there is a formal process by which he can be stripped of his honour," Mr Goff warned at the time.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said officials had sought through Fahey's lawyer his resignation from the order. Fahey obliged and his resignation was communicated to the Queen, who responded accordingly, he said. "Officials will now be talking to his lawyer about getting the return of the medal and the warrant."

But, he said, Fahey officially lost the honour when his resignation was accepted by the Queen.

- NZPA