The police investigation into an allegation of perjury has cleared the Solicitor-General, Dr David Collins QC, of any wrongdoing.
The allegation, made by author Anne Hunt, related to sections of an affidavit sworn by Dr Collins for Court of Appeal proceedings in May 2007.
Detective Superintendent Rod Drew said that the investigation had reviewed hundreds of documents to determine Mrs Hunt's six specific grounds of complaint.
As a result, the investigation revealed that Mrs Hunt was mistaken in her belief on three of the grounds and that there was no evidence of wrongdoing in regard to the others.
Mr Drew said that the investigation had been independently reviewed by Queens Counsel Mr Philip Morgan, whose review provided the opinion that there was no evidence of perjury or any obstruction of the course of justice.
The police investigation is now complete and the file closed.
ENDS
Background
The Court of Appeal proceedings led to a successful appeal by author Anne Hunt against a finding against her in the High Court of Contempt of Court and Breach of Confidence arising from her book Broken Silence.
Broken Silence deals with the life of a woman who alleged sexual violation by her therapist whilst undergoing counselling, revealing the resulting criminal, civil and professional tribunal proceedings resulting from the allegations. The identity of the parties remains confidential.
Dr Collins, whilst acting as a barrister in Wellington, represented the woman who is the subject of this book. He had also provided legal advice to Mrs Hunt in regard to two of her earlier books. Consequently, he was involved by Mrs Hunt and the unnamed woman in their plans to write Broken Silence.