No charges over Horse Lovers abuse

Police investigating child abuse allegations at a riding school in Wainuiomata near Wellington say no one will be charged despite there being enough evidence to do so.

Lower Hutt Detective Sergeant Brent Murray said today police had interviewed two children and amassed enough evidence against two employees at Horse Lovers.

But the assaults were minor and the parents of the children concerned did not want to put them through the trauma of giving evidence.

"Community safety is a priority for police, especially when it comes to young people," he said.

"I'm pleased with the work we've done in terms of providing the complainants with some reassurance and collating the information in a timely manner."

Mr Murray said he understood Horse Lovers had closed down and would not reopen.

In April, not knowing Horse Lovers was being investigated by a police child abuse squad, a Lower Hutt school sent hundreds of leaflets to pupils advertising a school holiday horse-riding programme.

But police quickly contacted Hutt Central School, which issued a warning to parents the next day.

Mr Murray said he could not give any other details concerning the children or the individuals investigated.

- NZPA