Principal gets warning

Peter Clague

Furious ex-wife is "astounded" by police decision

One of the country's top school principals is to receive a warning from police over a confrontation with his former wife.

It means Auckland's Kristin School principal, Peter Clague, will not be charged over the incident with Massey University lecturer in psychology Jeanne Jackman.

Jackman laid a complaint with police over an incident which occurred at their Greenhithe home two years ago. The complaint comes in the midst of a bitter marriage split-up. Jackman hired public relations agent Carrick Graham and informed various branches of the media of the complaint in a press release - and spread word of the police decision this week by the same method.

She said she was "astounded" at the result of the investigation and would complain to the Independent Police Complaints Authority.

"I believe this decision makes a mockery of calls to address domestic violence. Either we take the issue of domestic violence seriously in New Zealand, or we don't," she said.

However, North Shore Area Commander Les Paterson said police had only one option - to issue a warning.

"The event occurred over two years ago and is 'out of time' for the most appropriate charge, which presents a legal bar to prosecution," Paterson said. "The family violence policy was properly applied and the decision was based around a legal issue.

"There is no suggestion the police did not take their responsibility seriously and this case was afforded a very high level of attention and scrutiny."

Police were disappointed Jackman released the outcome before a decision could be put in writing, he said.

Clague did not want to talk to this newspaper. However, through Kristin board chair Philippa Fee he said he yet to receive the warning.

Last week, after going to court in an attempt to block publication of the police complaint against him, he said there had been an incident at his home, but Jackman had fallen and hurt herself.

A group which called itself the Kristin Parent Organisation met on Friday night to discuss the issue. The outcome from the meeting has not been disclosed.

Fee said police had communicated with the board.

"We understand that no warning has been received by Mr Clague. It is business as usual for each of our three schools and the focus of the board, principals and staff remains on our students as we move into the all important conclusion of a busy year."

Clague had remained in his position through the police inquiry.

Jackman this week defended her use of a PR company. She said it was done to prevent "gagging orders".

"I was advised that there are some people in my position who have been subject to a gagging order at some stage and if I wanted to tell my story before I was vilified by the school, which I have been, then it would be best to come out with the story early, rather than have to do it as a defence," Jackman, 40, said.

In last week's story on this issue, we said Jackman wanted half of Clague's reported $385,000 salary. However, she did not say she was after half of the salary and we apologise for the error.