Officer charged with corruption

A Whanganui police officer has appeared in court today charged with corruption.

Police sought consent from the Solicitor-General to lay the charge following an allegation earlier this year that a police officer had sought a bribe in the form of sexual favours in return for not proceeding with a prosecution for a driving offence.

The officer was suspended from duty in February and has today appeared at Whanganui District Court. He was granted conditional bail; he remains suspended from duty, and he will re-appear in Whanganui District Court on 19 July.

District Commander, Supt Russell Gibson said: "As soon as the allegation came to light, the officer was stood down and a criminal investigation was launched. I am confident that as a result of that investigation this is isolated to the officer involved and does not involve any other officers. I wish to reassure the Whanganui community that they have a team with integrity and respect working on their behalf."

The matter has also been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority. As the case is before the court and is also subject to an IPCA investigation it is inappropriate for Police to make any further comment.

Note: The offence of corruption of law enforcement officer is pursuant to s 104 of The Crimes Act 1961. Laying of this charge requires the consent of the Solicitor-General's office and the offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.