Journalist Joanne McCarthy has told the Special Commission of Inquiry into matters of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle that she did not have an agreement with whistleblower Peter Fox to conceal information from police.
During cross examination in Newcastle today, The Herald reporter told Commissioner Margaret Cunneen SC, that it was apparent to her that there “were internal police issues” surrounding the handling of an investigation into claims that clergy covered-up abuse within the church, and the involvement of Peter Fox in any investigation.
She told the Commission that the Detective Chief Inspector was on “the outer” with other police, and was not being included in Strike Force Lantle, which was set up to investigate the allegations.
Ms McCarthy admitted she knew Peter Fox was told by senior police to not have discussions with her, and that he was going against those instructions by emailing her a police report he had compiled.
Claims that she refused to hand over witness information to police were denied, with Ms McCarthy telling the Commission, that was “definitely not” the case.
Counsel representing the police has previously told the Commission that Peter Fox was thought to be leaking information to Ms McCarthy.
In responding to questions from police barrister Wayne Roser SC , McCarthy asked to be provided with evidence of any such leaks, saying “I’d like to know what information that is because no one has pinned that down yet”.
The inquiry continues.
