Rape charges axed over cost

**MummaBear03** · 23-06-2010 07:44

http://www.news.com.au/national/rape...-1225882980000

RAPE charges against Saints star Stephen Milne were dropped partly because they would cost too much if the case failed, a former detective has claimed.

Mike Smith backed allegations made by his co-investigator, Scott Gladman, that other police had tried to derail their investigation.

No charges were laid against Milne or teammate Leigh Montagna over a woman's claims that she was raped at Montagna's home. Both men deny any wrongdoing.

The Office of Police Integrity yesterday announced an inquiry into Mr Gladman's claims.
Last night, Mr Smith told Nine News that money was one of the reasons they were given for the decision not to go ahead with the case.

He said it was suggested that because Milne and teammate Montagna could afford top lawyers, "it would cost the department a lot of money" if the prosecution were unsuccessful.
"We thought we'd done a great job," he said of the investigation.

"We couldn't do a better brief of evidence if we tried."

He said the news that his superior officer and the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided not to prosecute was a turning point in his career.

"That one investigation shattered it for me," he said.

The mother of the alleged victim said the family was bitterly disappointed with the decision six years ago, but had finally managed to get their lives back together.

"Detective Gladman's bravery and honesty may bring about an end to it once and for all. He's always shown integrity over the matter," she said.

Mr Smith said he had urged the family to make a formal complaint after constant leaks of information, including media being alerted within 15 minutes of the alleged victim going to police.

Tragic.

**Ana Gram** · 23-06-2010 10:04

I hate that rape is not taken seriously in our society.

**Annabella** · 23-06-2010 10:21

Very sad. Unfortunately wouldn't be the first time though. There have been multiple complaints against footballers (of all codes) and nothing ever happens coz they are treated like gods, and they can usually pay to keep them quiet.

**MummaBear03** · 23-06-2010 10:27

Originally Posted by Ana Gram

I hate that rape is not taken seriously in our society.

Even when convicted they are sent to jail for less than a year.

**KatiesMum** · 23-06-2010 10:32

I hate that this is treated so badly.

This whole case makes me so mad

**Thalia** · 23-06-2010 10:37

partly because they would cost too much if the case failed

There's probably very little chance of a conviction, you throw into the equation the fact he has a decent lawyer you are talking about a long, protracted expensive court case that will most likely amount to nought

**Ana Gram** · 23-06-2010 10:39

The message this sends is if you are raped by someone who can afford a good lawyer, don't bother reporting it.

**MummaBear03** · 23-06-2010 10:41

It also sends the message that money is worth more than people.

**~Bec~** · 23-06-2010 10:46

Originally Posted by Ana Gram

The message this sends is if you are raped by someone who can afford a good lawyer, don't bother reporting it.

I agree

What a revolting message to send to our children.

**Thalia** · 23-06-2010 10:57

Originally Posted by Ana Gram

The message this sends is if you are raped by someone who can afford a good lawyer, don't bother reporting it.

Report it, but if he's rich there's a much greater chance of him being found not guilty than if the defendant was dirt poor and had a court appointed lawyer.You look at the huge amount of physical evidence the prosecution had in the OJ Simpson trial & they still failed to convict him.