Fox Accused of Sex Abuse Inquiry Tip off to Journalist

By Elle Watson
Maitland Mercury
May 9, 2013

http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1489830/fox-accused-of-sex-abuse-inquiry-tip-off-to-journalist/?cs=171

Peter Fox passed on confidential information to Newcastle Herald journalist Joanne McCarthy in an attempt to undermine a sex abuse investigation after he was dumped from it in 2010, according to a legal representative for the NSW Police Force.

Wayne Roser SC cross-examined Detective Chief Inspector Fox this morning as he took to the witness box for a fourth day at the Commission of Inquiry into a child sex abuse cover up by the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese.

Mr Roser claimed Inspector Fox had been warned by a Lake Macquarie Crime Manager about his interference with a second investigation - Strike Force Georgiana.

It was alleged Inspector Fox tipped off Joanne McCarthy to a priest that was being investigated by the Strike Force.

Inspector Fox said he was not aware the priest was being investigated until Ms McCarthy queried him about it.

"I had no idea he was being investigated," Inspector Fox said.

The inquest continues.