Police reprimand on botched abuse probe

THREE police officers have been disciplined for shortcomings in the investigation into a serial child sex offender working at the Launceston General Hospital, state parliament has heard.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Jacquie Petrusma said the internal investigation into police handling of complaints against James Geoffrey Griffin had concluded.

Griffin, 69, of Legana, was charged with more than a dozen offences in October 2019 relating to crimes against children as young as 11. He had worked in the Paediatric Unit attached to Launceston hospital since 2001.

Griffin died soon after being charged, after taking a dangerous cocktail of drugs.

An internal police review revealed police had received reports about Griffin in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2019.

“I am advised that the professional standards investigation is complete and a reprimand, counselling and professional development have been delivered, in accordance with the Police Service Act 2003,” Ms Petrusma told parliament on Wednesday.

“I am advised that one police officer received counselling, one was reprimanded, and another received continuing professional development.”

The case is among the matters being examined by the current Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.

In February, Premier Peter Gutwein and Police Commissioner Darren Hine apologised for letting victims down.

Ms Petrusma said the shortcomings in institutional responses stretched back further than the eight years the Liberals have been in power.

Greens Police spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the failings of Tasmania Police in the case must never be repeated.