Inquiry: Qc Defends Sexual Abuse Investigators

By Elle Watson
Maitland Mercury
May 17, 2013

http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1508614/inquiry-qc-defends-sexual-abuse-investigators/?cs=12

A QC who independently reviewed Strike Force Lantle said the brief produced by investigators is as good as he has ever seen.

Ian Lloyd QC, this morning told the Commission of Inquiry it took him more than three days to read the 3000 page brief that contained dozens of witness statements supporting claims of sexual abuse concealment by members of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic diocese.

"In all my years of prosecuting crimes, and we're approaching 37 years now, the report is as good as I've ever seen," Mr Lloyd said.

He said one of the investigators leading the strike force, Detective Sergeant Jeff Little, appeared to have carried out a complex investigation over 16 months.

"[By the] mountain of evidence he uncovered I would have thought he would be working day and night."

The inquiry is examining Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox's claim he was ordered to cease investigating an alleged Catholic Church sexual abuse cover up.

The inquiry will adjourn after evidence today and return on June 24 when several members of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic clergy will give evidence.