Commission Told Early Police Response "Lacked Urgency"

By Jason Gordon
Newcastle Herald
May 10, 2013

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1492450/commission-told-early-police-response-lacked-urgency/?cs=12

The head of the NSW sex crimes squad has told the Special Commission of Inquiry that the early response by police to claims of sex abuse cover-ups within the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese appeared to lack urgency.

Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec was shown documents when he took the stand at the commission in Newcastle this morning.

Mr Kerlatec said he recalled having several conversations with Detective Inspector Paul Jacob when Strike Force Lantle was established in late 2010 to investigate claims of sex abuse cover-up.

Under cross examination by Mark Cohen, acting for Mr Fox, Mr Kerlatec was referred to reports which he agreed did not reflect a lot of urgency on the part of police investigations.

He also agreed that while an investigating officer appeared keen to proceed quickly, he was being ‘‘shut down’’ by his superior officer, Detective Inspector Dave Waddell.

Asked by Mr Cohen if the allegations raised in material given to police by Newcastle Herald journalist Joanne McCarthy seemed ‘‘very serious’’, Mr Kerlatec also agreed, adding that there was ‘‘an inference’’ that Detective Inspector Waddell’s conduct was to stop the investigating officer moving ahead at all.

However, under questioning from Pat Saidi, representing several senior police before the commission, Mr Kerlatec said he saw no problems with the way in which the police investigations and Strike Force Lantle were proceeding.

‘‘From everything I saw (in my role as head of the sex crimes unit), the investigation was progressing well,’’ Mr Kerlatec said before adding he was receiving good levels of contact and information from the investigating officer.

Asked what he thought about the effectiveness of Strike Force Lantle, Mr Kerlatec said ‘‘I thought it had a high probability of succeeding.’’

The inquiry, before Commissioner Margaret Cunneen SC, is now in its fifth day.

Whistleblower Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox is expected to resume the stand shortly. His cross examination is expected to continue for the rest of today’s proceedings.