TRUTH - A MAJOR WINNER

I received two bits of good news at the weekend. First. I went to New Zealand to spend my Dad’s 90th birthday with him and found him in good health. Hence my absence from the program on Friday. And there were four generations at the party at Pukekura Park.

The second bit of good news came in New Zealand in a phone call from my Melbourne lawyer. He had finally received official word from Victoria Police and the Office of Public Prosecutions that no charges would be laid against me after a former business partner last year made serious claims of sexual assault. Later those accusations would include rape.

Police have found there was no case to answer. The phone call was bitter-sweet relief. I knew all along I was innocent but the allegations by ex Army Major MaryAnn Martinek hung over me for about a year after they made Page One headlines. Frankly, I didn’t realise just how heavy a cloud was always lurking there and the fact that it took almost a year for this official announcement caused pain to me  and my family. And people say ‘where’s there’s smoke etc’.  Luckily, 3AW believed me and stood by me. So did my wife of only a few weeks, Chanel. And friends. And a lot of you listeners.

And my Dad will pass away knowing his son was not an alleged rapist.

In recent weeks Martinek has started a new media campaign. She has repeated her gross allegations in letters to Channel Ten, to Eddie McGuire, to New Idea, to The Age and to 3AW.

When this story broke I said ‘I have spent nearly fifty years in a tough business. I hope I have built a reputation for honesty and integrity. I have championed the causes of women and children.’

I vowed: ‘I will not sit back and let my name and reputation be blackened by this woman who has defamed me. And I made a pledge that I would fight ‘this foul and calculated campaign with every breath I take and every dollar I have. Nothing is worth more than your good name’.

On Friday I issued a writ claiming defamation by Martinek with the Supreme Court.

Monday, February 19, 2007

©Copyright Derryn Hinch 2007