Carr criticise police over Bulldogs
By Megan Saunders
May 7, 2004
NEW South Wales Premier Bob Carr has raised concerns about police statements in the Bulldogs sexual assault investigation, warning that officers should only provide "very guarded and very spartan" comments.
Warning ... Mr Carr believes police gave too much information on the Bulldogs case and its collapse.
Mr Carr said yesterday he would ask his Cabinet Office to give advice on a better protocol governing police media comments.
He was responding in the state's parliament to a question by Opposition frontbencher Peta Seaton, who asked how rape victims could have confidence in police after comments by the officer in charge of the Bulldogs investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Breton.
Police said last week no one would be charged over a 20-year-old woman's claims she was gang-raped by six rugby league players from the Bulldogs team at a Coffs Harbour hotel on February 22.
Inspector Breton said holes in the case meant a conviction could not be secured.
He said physical evidence backed the woman's claim she was raped, but proving rape cases was difficult because the evidence could be the same as for consensual sex.
In parliament yesterday, Mr Carr described such commentary as a "serious issue".
"I'm prepared to have the whole matter looked at in view of other concerns I have had relayed to me about the media comments of the investigating officer," Mr Carr said.
"I think statements from the police need to be very spartan and very guarded.
"It would be immensely trying and hurtful to the victim in such a circumstance, and on the other hand it could well represent a diminution in just dealing of those who have been accused."
Mr Carr said the idea of police providing a commentary on the announcement of the decision not to pursue the Bulldogs investigation "is very wrong".
The Australian
