Tasmania faces backlash over honoring a senior police sergeant amid child abuse allegations, while a former officer is cleared of misconduct in a separate investigation.
In Tasmania, controversy arose around the handling of allegations against a late senior police sergeant, Paul Reynolds. Despite accusations of child sexual abuse, Reynolds was honored with a police funeral and full honour guard. These allegations, which spanned over a 30-year period involving the grooming and sexual abuse of teenage boys, came to light after documents were released under right to information laws. The search of Reynolds’ home by Tasmania police led to his suicide the following day. Both the police commissioner, Donna Adams, and political figures have expressed regret and concern over the decision to honor Reynolds with a police funeral amidst the ongoing investigation. A full report on the case is anticipated by mid-2024.
In a separate incident, Sir Stephen House, a former senior police officer, was cleared by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of any wrongdoing after accusations of using the term “regretful sex” in relation to rape allegations arose. The investigation found that, although Sir Stephen did use the term, it was not in the context alleged. This decision came after claims made by Professor Betsy Stanko lacked corroboration from others at the meeting where the phrase was allegedly used. Sir Stephen House has expressed relief at the findings, which he feels affirm his commitment to combating violence against women and domestic abuse throughout his career.
