Police are refusing to accept they got it wrong by prosecuting a popular and eccentric Greymouth teacher for indecent assault – even though the case has been thrown out of court.
Andrew McCarthy, of John Paul II High School, says his experience should serve as a warning to all teachers of what can happen because of the “hysteria” surrounding child abuse.
He said at one point a police officer contacted the Teachers Council making unfounded allegations.
“The dreadful thing is I had to prove my innocence rather than the Crown prove my guilt.”
Last year police and Child, Youth and Family spent months investigating McCarthy, raiding his classroom and interviewing his students after the girl alleged he had indecently touched her.
West Coast area commander Inspector John Canning said there was “clearly” a prima facie (at first sight) case.
He rejected the suggestion it was a malicious complaint.
Source
- The Press
- New Zealand Herald
- Image: 3 News
News category: New Zealand.
