The police decision not to prosecute Mr Dover Samuels MP for the crime of having sexual relations with a teenager in his care and protection brings the issue to an end, said Hon Richard Prebble.

“My own role has been to have been approached by a constituent with a complaint, to have been the only MP to have spoken directly with the young woman concerned, to have, with the help of the law society, arranged for her to have had independent advice and then to have written privately to the Minister of Police, Attorney-General and Prime Minister.

“I believe my decision not to raise the matter in parliament was correct.

“I believe the Prime Minister was wrong to prejudge the issue by forcing the Honourable Dover Samuels to resign. This was an action I cautioned her against. I must also observe that if the government, when first approached in January, had properly investigated the complaint this issue would never have developed into a media circus.

“I have no doubt the young woman has been a victim. The media should protect her privacy and allow her to get on with her life. It is important that this case does not prevent young women from laying legitimate complaints or dissuade people in authority from acting on such complaints.

“ACT has not ever, and does not intend now, to pursue this issue in parliament.

“I personally only made public statements to defend myself from false statements such as the incorrect claim that I publicised this issue. I did not, the Prime Minister did. I have consistently stated that the Honourable Dover Samuels should, under our legal system, be regarded as innocent until proven otherwise in court. This issue has nothing to do with party politics.

“I hope I do not need to comment further, because it is time for everyone to move on,” said Hon Richard Prebble.

ENDS

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