Senior Cop Denies Reluctance to Investigate Clergy

By Elle Watson
Maitland Mercury
June 27, 2013

http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1601394/senior-cop-denies-reluctance-to-investigate-clergy/?cs=12

There was never any reluctance by Newcastle investigators to confront senior members of the church hierarchy over child sexual abuse concealment, a senior police officer has told a Special Commission of Inquiry this morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Humphrey denied suggestions from whistleblower Peter Fox's barrister Mark Cohen that detectives were discouraged from investigating the clergy.

Detective Chief Inspector Humphrey oversaw Strike Force Lantle - the Hunter investigation into sexual abuse concealment - after some of its officers left on sick leave.

Under heavy cross examination on his third day in the stand, the detective chief inspector denied claims the strike force had been abysmally managed by those officers.

"I was not happy with how it was handed [in]...it needed organisation...maybe I'm a bit linear," Detective Chief Inspector Humphrey said.

The special commission is this week examining how police dealt sexual abuse allegations against priests Denis McAlinden and James Fletcher.

Next week the special commission will examine how the church dealt with the allegations.