PM heeds Glenn’s word on allegation

PRIME Minister John Key says he accepts millionaire philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn at his word that there was no truth to an allegation of domestic violence.

Anti-violence advocates fear the allegation could derail work done by the White Ribbon campaign and Glenn Inquiry into domestic violence.

Mr Key said Sir Owen had signed a number of declarations related to his application to be a White Ribbon ambassador against violence. Those declarations said he had ‘‘never been involved in any violent activity’’.

‘‘In the end they are slightly self-governing declarations. People have to feel comfortable they’ve said what is truthfully and honestly correctly. That is his position as he states it.’’

Mr Key, who is also a White Ribbon ambassador, said he had no knowledge of the allegation before reading it in the Sunday StarTimes.

He was lukewarm, however, about Sir Owen’s inquiry into domestic violence and child abuse.

The inquiry attracted some high-profile backers but there has been controversy after some key personnel quit.

Mr Key said it was up to Sir Owen how he spent his money.

‘‘I’ve been of the view that I’d like to see more money physically spent on the ground because I think actually a lot of research has been done over the years ... I can’t say every solution that’s out there has been thought of, so of course some good work could be done.

‘‘But for my money’s worth more stuff on the ground is a little more important.’’

Sir Owen was accused of physically abusing a young woman in Hawaii in 2002.

Court documents seen by Fairfax Media show Sir Owen offered a plea of no contest when the case came before the courts in Hawaii in 2003. That means the charge was not contested or admitted and it was dismissed in 2004 when the probationary period ended.

Sir Owen has said there was no truth to the allegation.