Police probed in secrecy

A commission of inquiry triggered by historic rape claims against police will take place behind closed doors, without naming those involved and without determining guilt.

The inquiry into police conduct, set up in response to allegations by Louise Nicholas and Judith Garrett, has also withdrawn from investigating cases before the courts or those being looked at by police.

That includes both Mrs Nicholas' and Mrs Garrett's cases which the commission was concerned could be prejudiced.

Last night Mrs Garrett said she had lost faith in the inquiry. "I'm absolutely furious. I'm 62 and I've waited 17 years for some sort of justice."

The commission said in a statement it would continue to review the processes followed by police in dealing with complaints of sexual assault by members of the public.

The commission is now reviewing submissions after which commissioner Dame Margaret Bazley will conduct hearings closed to the public and the media.