Two points I would like to respond to.

1. Women on the jury did not believe Louise.
It is a sad fact that often the first to damn a women for their perceptions of their behaviour are other women. I’m no pscyhologist so don’t ask me why, but all though this trial, some of the most polarised discussions that I had on it were with women who absolutely blaggardded Louise, even though most of them were not following the detail of the trial.

2. The comment that the Police have these guys in their sights and will not give up on them.

I have been a long time supporter of the NZ Police but I am afraid that on a number of bases my perception of them has been gradually but inexorably moving through 180 degrees. I now regard my previous view of them as that of naive ignorance.

I am absolutely convinced that we are only beginning to understand the extent of Police corruption in NZ. This has been an extremely uncomfortable realisation for me but the feeling of insecurity that I have had is I am sure nothing compared to what women like Lousie have had to live through and with.
I would like to think that the Police prosecution had Louise’s best interests at heart but I am not convinced of it and I am no longer the person that would give them the benefit of the doubt.

What evidence was that? That she had sex with three men? Well, given that three men were accused of raping her, don’t you think it would have been illogical not to refer to her sexual experiences with these men?

Either way it’s blatantly unfair that her past was examined and the men’s weren’t.

Interesting, I dont know much about the real story of Louise’s very sad plight but I do know that it reminds me of one of my families experiences that Id like to share if I may…? I think it relates to her story

My mother was a wonderful attractive young woman who was assaulted by a guy who broke in to the house and beat her badly in Tauranga in the early seventies. This man was never identified.

My mother always maintained that the senior Tauranga Police investigating her assault at the time concluded at the end of their inquiries and finally stated at her front door that the bad injuries that she had sustained on the backs of her arms, face and body were not in fact the signs of a lone young woman desparately trying to defend herself from an unknown assailant as she lay in bed as she had reported, but that they were in fact evidence of deliberate self harm “designed to attract the attention (meaning amorous attention) of the NZ Police”.

She always maintained that she was advised of this at the end of their inquiries by three policemen at her front door all looking her up and down in her words “like she was some slut who would actually want their attention”. I was very young at the time but I still remember how hurt and helpless and alone she was, for years I think.

Although I did not witness this treatment, I have absolutely no doubt that what she said was true and I think that this does perhaps give some insight into the mentality prevalent in the BOP Police, certainly at that point in time. While there’s no known direct link because I dont know the officers involved (?), my mothers experience would certainly seem to correspond with what Louise and all her supporters have been suggesting of course.

If anyone knows how things like this can be recorded or investigated or shared I would love some help or advice. My mother has passed on now but I dont want this violation to just evaporate the way they would like it to and Louises case has really been a catalyst in wanting to tackle these pricks.

I also think that until women demand better treatment with these issues through organised collective (violent?) action nothing will change. I am sure that good men will help but women must unify and demand much better treatment.

Good things must come of this.

I don’t believe they can appeal the decision either as you cannot be tried for the same crime twice. Once you are found not guilty that is it.

These men have no right whatsoever to ever again be in any public role or office. They are despots who clearly used their position and power in a way which should (still) have terminal consequences for them.

The suppression of information of the convictions of two of the accused is but a temporary matter. When this comes out, I hope that the Crown will appeal the decision from your case and find a jury who has the intelligence, discernment and reasoning to understand what took place - AND can find a judge who understands the real issues which underlay this case.

This is the saddest day for NZ - once again our police force has been brought down by the admitted actions of one of their most senior and once again, a woman is belittled and disbelieved when she has been through the ultimate degradation.

I am hopeful that this bebacle will create a groundswell of public opinion with women and men all over the country demanding that true justice is served.

The Crown MUST appeal this decision!

thanks

Carmen

bobby.fraser (at) mailnull.com