CHILD ABUSE INQUIRY CONTINUES
The Special Commission of Inquiry into the handing of claims of a cover-up
of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church has resumed in Newcastle.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Humphrey is in the witness box, giving
evidence for a third day.
During cross-examination from Peter Fox’s barrister Mark Cohen, Mr
Humphrey told the Commission he had no issues with the idea of
investigating the Catholic Church.
It has previously been suggested there was a type of “Catholic Mafia”
operating within the police force to protect the Church, however several
police witnesses have strongly denied this.
DCI Humphrey told the Commission he was “happy to take on the Catholic
Church” when answering questions from Mr Cohen about his response to
allegations that clergy in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese knew about child
sexual abuse within its ranks, but failed to act.
Non-publication orders were given on several other matters discussed
during the morning’s proceedings.
The inquiry continues.
