The Dewar case

What's this all about?

John Dewar has been accused of deliberately suppressing or failing to act on sex complaints against police officers in the 1990s.

Who is involved?

Louise Nicholas is the woman at the centre of alleged rape allegations against Clint Rickards and former-police officers Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton.

John Dewar was the chief inspector of Rotorua CIB in 1993 when Mrs Nicholas' says she bought allegations against assistant commissioner Clint Rickards and three former police officers. He is now self-employed.

Why was the case brought?

The Crown alleges that Mr Dewar suppressed Mrs Nicholas' allegations and tried to pervert the course of justice by giving inadmissible evidence at the trial of another police officer with name suppression.

Mr Dewar said he had asked Mrs Nicholas if the allegations were true and she hadn't answered him. Mr Dewar said he thought Mrs Nicholas had lied under oath and didn't push the case further because she could have been charged with perjury.

How did this happen?

Mr Dewar did not report Mrs Nicholas' allegations to the District Commander at the time because he wanted to protect Mrs Nicholas who he thought was lying. Mrs Nicholas said she had given statements to Mr Dewar two times under oath.

Dewar said he investigated the claim.

Where did it happen?

Rotorua, 1993.

Key Events:

1985-86.

Louise Nicholas alleges she was raped and sexually abused when she was a teenager in Rotorua.

1993

Louise Nicholas said she made serious allegations against police officers Clint Rickards, Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum to Dewar who was then chief inspector of the Rotorua CIB.

February 2004

The Commission of Inquiry was ordered to investigate police culture.

April 2006.

Brad Shipton, Bob Schollum and Clint Rickards found not-guilty of raping Louise Nicholas.

Hundreds of Louise Nicholas supporters march down Queen Street.

April 2007

The Commission of Inquiry into police culture was released by Dame Margaret Bazley. The report heard 200 submissions. The report slammed "disgraceful conduct" by serving officers and found 141 incidents where there was enough evidence for police to be disciplined or face charges.