Source: Radio New Zealand
Police assistant Commissioner Sam Hoyle. RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Police Assistant Commissioner Sam Hoyle was the senior staffer who visited Jevon McSkimming along with former Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura while he faced charges of possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.
McSkimming pleaded guilty earlier this month.
The former deputy commissioner was arrested on 27 June.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers earlier confirmed to RNZ Kura and another member of the “wider senior leadership team” visited McSkimming while he faced the charges.
RNZ can now reveal the other staffer was Sam Hoyle who is the Assistant Commissioner chief capability and infrastructure officer.
RNZ understands Kura asked Hoyle to visit McSkimming with her. It’s understood the purpose of the visit was to do a welfare check on McSkimming.
Hoyle was not mentioned in the IPCA’s report released last week.
RNZ asked police if Hoyle had any comment.
Chambers earlier told RNZ he became aware Kura visited McSkimming in July.
“When I found out about that from concerned colleagues, I asked Tania Kura for an explanation and I expressed my disappointment in her,” Chambers said.
“To me it showed a total lack of judgement and very bad decision making. It was inappropriate for an executive member and a statutory deputy commissioner.”
Asked what Kura’s response was, Chambers said “she seemed surprised that I saw it as a problem”.
Chambers said it was for Kura to say why she visited McSkimming.
“However, it was my view there was no reasonable explanation.”
Asked whether it led to Kura’s retirement, Chambers said that was not discussed.
“A short time later, Ms Kura did announce she was retiring from NZ Police.”
RNZ approached Kura for comment on why she visited McSkimming, and whether it had anything to do with her retirement.
RNZ also asked her if she had any response to the IPCA’s report.
She replied, “sorry … not at this point. However for balance you could check how many other people have done the same”.
In response, Chambers said he was aware another member of the “wider senior leadership team” visited McSkimming along with Kura.
“I did speak to that person and expressed my disappointment at the decision making and lack of judgement.
“Mr McSkimming also had regular contact with a member of my leadership team appointed by me as a welfare point of contact, as is the usual process with Police.
“That was in an official capacity and was appropriate. That person did not visit his home and did not meet with him in person after charges had been laid.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
