Motorcade officer's wife says Cabinet whip-round 'humiliating' [+audio]

A Cabinet whip-round for two policemen whose dangerous driving charges in the Prime Minister's motorcade were quashed yesterday was "humiliating", the wife of one officer says.

Sergeant Ian Howard and Constable Simon Vincent had convictions for dangerous driving quashed in the High Court at Timaru, as was Howard's conviction for travelling too close.

Eighteen cabinet ministers donated $120 each, a total of $2160, to cover the officers' fines and a civilian driver's fine.

Howard's wife Rebecca told Radio Live today she wished they had never accepted the money, which is to be offered back.

"It was quite humiliating," she said. "I felt humiliated that they did that, and that we accepted it. We didn't want to accept it, but circumstances being what they are...we did accept it."

Mrs Howard said the past two years had been very stressful for friends and family.

She remained bitter with the Prime Minister, she said.

"I am just a bit upset that there was no contact directly with us when it happened. I feel quite bitter actually, bit and angry," she said.

"I'm upset that she didn't contact Ian directly to offer some support, even if it wasn't her, her personal assistant or someone from her office, I feel should have contacted Ian and Simon directly."

A spokeswoman said that while the Prime Minister was pleased for the officers who had their convictions overturned, she would not be commenting on what Mrs Howard had said.

Howard said the quashing of his conviction was amazing relief, akin to having a bucket of cold water thrown over him.

He had had huge and "very humbling" support from the Police Association, fellow officers, friends and family, and hundreds of letters of support.

He was more circumspect about the caucus donation.

"Perhaps they just wanted to help us out, very nice of them," he told Radio Live.

The two officers left the High Court in Timaru without convictions, and with the good wishes of Justice John Priestly. Following an eight-day trial last August, the two had been convicted and fined $650.

Their counsel James Rapley and Police Association president Greg O'Connor, described Justice Priestly's decision as the correct one.

"It is a great result, and the proper result too," Mr Rapley said. "For long-serving police officers, having convictions can have serious consequences. Their culpability and blameworthiness was very low.

"Constable Vincent, on his day off, was doing his best under trying circumstances, and Sergeant Howard was following orders. The judge recognised that."

The Police Association has picked up the legal costs of its members throughout the case, and continued to for the appeal.

"There will not be any officer in New Zealand who will resent one cent of what has been spent," Mr O'Connor said.

- NZPA