Statement from Assistant Commissioner Malcolm Burgess:
Police reiterate that we will not comment on the John Banks investigation until sentencing.
We can however say that suggestions that resourcing issues meant police did not seek a Crown Law opinion are absolute nonsense.
Police deal with up to 140,000 prosecution cases a year and each matter is assessed on its merits and in accordance with the Solicitor General's prosecution guidelines. We have expert in-house legal advisers who provide authoritative advice on a wide range of complex and sensitive cases.
Decisions to seek Crown Law opinions are operational matters for police and have nothing to do with resourcing.
END
Media please be aware there will be no interviews given in relation to this statement.
Issued by Grant Ogilvie: 021 191 0005