Abuse Inquiry Examines Possible Collusion Within Hunter Valley Catholic Church

By Dan Cox
ABC News
July 10, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-10/abuse-inquiry-examines-possible-collusion-within-hunter-valley-/4811652?section=nsw

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox complained of collusion between five members of the Catholic Church.

A detective involved in the arrest of a paedophile priest has told an inquiry into child sexual abuse he has no evidence of collusion within the Catholic Church in the New South Wales Hunter Valley.

The inquiry is examining whether senior church officials helped or hindered a police investigation into Maitland-Newcastle priests James Fletcher and Denis McAlinden.

Former policeman Donald Brown has given evidence at the public hearings and was involved in Fletcher's arrest.

Police whistleblower Peter Fox was his supervisor in May 2003, when the pair interviewed and charged Fletcher over child sexual abuse.

Detective Chief Inspector Fox later wrote to the Ombudsman, complaining of collusion between five members of the Catholic Church in relation to Fletcher's investigation.

Mr Brown said he "could not form that view", as his "role was limited" and he did not have any information to suggest collusion.

He told the commission it was inaccurate that those comments be attributed to him.

The inquiry continues.