Grant Denies Calling Senior Cops 'Catholic Mafia'

By Elle Watson
Maitland Mercury
May 8, 2013

http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1486826/grant-denies-calling-senior-cops-catholic-mafia/?cs=171

DENIAL: National MP and former policeman Troy Grant denied using the term 'Catholic Mafia' or that there was interefence in child sex abuse inquires into the Catholic Church.

A former police office turned politician has denied ever using the term "Catholic Mafia" to describe senior police who interfered with his investigations into Catholic Church paedophilia.

Nationals member for Dubbo, Troy Grant, was the second witness to give evidence on day three of the Commission of Inquiry into the alleged cover-up of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Mr Grant rejected claims by Detective Chief Inspector Fox that he said there was a "Catholic Mafia" - members of senior police hindering investigations into sexual abuse by priests.

"I have no reason to have used that term because I have and saw no interference with my investigation," Mr Grant told the commission.

In his evidence on day one Inspector Fox said Mr Grant expressed the concerns during a conversation in 2003.

Mr Grant led investigations that resulted in the first prosecution of a Hunter priest Father Vincent Ryan in 1995.

The commission heard Ryan was convicted of sexual abuse crimes against 31 victims.