Former top cop: 'I'm a victim'

John Dewar was released from prison after serving 19 months of his sentence. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A former top Rotorua police officer jailed for trying to cover up police rape allegations plans to challenge his conviction, saying he is a victim and slamming his accuser as an "imposter".

John Dewar was sentenced to four years six months' jail for attempting to cover up alleged sexual offending against Louise Nicholas, after former officers Clint Rickards, Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum were found not guilty of rape and sexual offending.

Following their trial, Dewar was convicted of wilfully attempting to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice.

The 58-year-old served 19 months of his sentence before he was paroled in May.

He is now speaking out after successfully fighting the Parole Board to remove a gagging order that prevented him from discussing his case.

He told the Waikato Times newspaper he was a victim of an agenda driven from the top, citing then prime minister Helen Clark as calling Mrs Nicholas "courageous" after the rape trial, but before his case was heard.

"I am a victim - the courts don't always get it right, juries don't always get it right."

He slammed his accuser, saying he would challenge Mrs Nicholas as being "credible and reliable and a victim".

"She needs to accept the jury's decision. She was not a rape victim, no-one has ever been convicted, the woman is an imposter."

Dewar said he would seek leave to appeal his conviction in the Supreme Court, claiming his treatment was "prejudicial".

He has also laid a complaint with police, alleging Mrs Nicholas perjured herself, and has complained about his treatment to the Privacy Commissioner and Human Rights Commissioner.

Dewar's legal battle has already cost him more than $700,000.

Mrs Nicholas said she was disappointed his gagging order had been lifted, and was floored by his comments.

"Everybody has the right to appeal, I'm just hugely disappointed that this has all been brought back up again now."

- NZPA