Inquiry Hears of Lack of Resources, Stress

By Jason Gordon
Newcastle Herald
May 13, 2013

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1498929/inquiry-hears-of-lack-of-resources-stress/?cs=12

HAMPERED: Detective Inspector Dave Waddell faced the inquiry yesterday.

READ THE INQUIRY TRANSCRIPTS HERE

A SENIOR police officer wanted an investigation into alleged child sex abuse cover-ups within the Catholic Church referred ‘‘up the chain’’ to State Crime Command because of allegations made against former Hunter priest and high-profile Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson.

Former chief inspector Brad Tayler told the Special Commission of Inquiry in Newcastle yesterday that he thought Archbishop Wilson’s profile ‘‘had a scope that would have political issues’’ attached to it.

Mr Tayler, who has since left the police force, was giving evidence before Commissioner Margaret Cunneen on the sixth day of the inquiry’s Newcastle hearings.

Mr Tayler was the crime manager within the Lake Macquarie police command when police received information relating to Church cover-ups from Newcastle Herald  journalist Joanne McCarthy.

Mr Tayler told the inquiry that, given the scant resources in local police commands and the high profile of Archbishop Wilson, he believed the matter should be referred to state detectives. 

The move was rejected, with Strike Force Lantle established in the Newcastle police command to continue the investigation.

Detective Inspector Dave Waddell, then crime manager of Lake Macquarie police command, had earlier told the inquiry that the investigation by a police strike force had been hampered by  resourcing issues. 

The investigation had been referred to Newcastle detectives because of a high case load and industrial action, which was affecting Lake Macquarie officers.

‘‘I just didn’t think we had the resources [to carry out the investigation],’’ Mr Waddell said.

The inquiry was also told that the state’s sex crimes squad had indicated it would not investigate the material regarding disgraced former priest Denis McAlinden and Bishop Leo Clarke because both had  died. 

Mr Waddell said that, while he had considered the information important, he hadn’t though it  required urgent action. 

He also said that one of the officers appointed to Strike Force Georgiana, the first of several strike forces set up to investigate child sex abuse, was taken off the squad following ‘‘concerns for his welfare’’. 

Mr Waddell said detective Shaun McLeod arrested a sex abuse suspect at his home in 2010, but several colleagues had expressed concern at his behaviour on the night.

‘‘He didn’t seem to be coping very well,’’ Mr Waddell said. 

‘‘He wasn’t happy [about his removal], but I had concerns about his welfare.’’

Mr McLeod later went on extended sick leave and was eventually medically discharged from the police service.

Also giving evidence yesterday was Inspector David Matthews, from Port Stephens police, who  said police in his command were ‘‘stretched’’ and not in a position to take on the investigation, which appeared ‘‘historical and complex’’ in nature.

The hearing will enter its seventh day today with Mr Tayler continuing his evidence, and Assistant Commissioner Carlene York expected to give evidence.