Journalist Dubbed 'The Genesis' of Child Sexual Abuse Strike Force Gives Evidence

By Dan Cox
ABC News
June 24, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-24/hunter-priest-abuse-inquiry-resumes-in-newcastle/4775148

[with video]

The Fairfax journalist at the centre of a child sexual abuse strike force in the Hunter Valley has told the New South Wales Special Commission a policeman asked her to write an article in a bid to bring more victims forward.

Newcastle Herald reporter Joanne McCarthy has received a national award for her work regarding child sexual abuse in the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese.

The special commission of inquiry into clergy child sexual abuse in the Hunter Valley is investigating Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox's claims he was told to stop investigating two priests, James Fletcher and Denis McAlinden.

The court has heard Ms McCarthy was considered "the genesis" of strike force Lantle, which was set-up to investigate allegations of a cover-up by the church.

In giving evidence today, she said former police officer Shaun McLeod called her in 2008 to give her information about his investigation and to ask her to write an opinion piece.

She said he was hoping it would "prompt people to come forward" with allegations.

Ms McCarthy has been described by Detective Chief Inspector Fox as his "informant".

She told the court Peter Fox did tell her about allegations against Father McAlinden and that a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Ms McCarthy said some police "faced hurdles" when investigating paedophile priests.

She said after years of writing about paedophile priests she would hear comments from the community such as, 'but it's the church' or '(Bishop Michael) Malone has done such good work'.

Her reply was always, 'yes, but these are crimes'.

She said Detective Chief Inspector Fox had a "different approach" to other police, because "he was keen" and it was like he had "jumped the hurdle" that other officers faced.



Inquiry told Peter Fox has 'ridden on a saddle of lies'

The head of a police strike force has told the inquiry that whistleblower Peter Fox has "ridden on a saddle of lies".

Detective Chief Inspector Fox has claimed that Strike Force Lantle, which was set up to investigate the alleged cover-up, was destined to fail.

Public hearings into the Hunter Valley policeman's claims resumed in Newcastle this morning.

Detective Sergeant Geoffrey Little, the officer in charge of strike force Lantle, told the inquiry he was "absolutely mortified" by the claims.

He said he was "satisfied" with the resources that had been allocated to strike force Lantle and said he had "more support from his senior colleagues" than Detective Chief Inspector Fox because he was "not operating in secret".

He said the claims could "not be further from the truth" and that he would treat Detective Chief Inspector Fox's "investigative material with caution".



Inquiry to hear from senior police officers

The second part of the inquiry is expected to start next week and will look at how the church handled the complaints and allegations that church officials did not cooperate with police.

Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Bill Wright and former Bishop Michael Malone are scheduled to give evidence.

Adelaide's Archbishop Philip Wilson will give his evidence during an in-camera hearing, with the details to remain confidential.

One abusive victim, Peter Gogarty, says he is disappointed the clergyman will not have to appear in open court.

"There are a great many people who have an interest in what he's got to say and again, unfortunately, people are going to be left very disappointed," he said.

Mr Gogarty says he is angry his own evidence will also be heard in-camera.

"I have been very vocal about this issue publicly for several years and I very, very much wanted the opportunity to be able to tell my story in public," he said.

"[I wanted] to do that in a courtroom, and then for anybody who thought they had an interest to scrutinise my story.

"I was desperately desirous to do that in a public courtroom."

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox says he understands the frustration.

"Sadly he didn't get the opportunity to give evidence at trial.. and I think he was very much looking forward to his day in court," he said.