Clint, your slip is showing.

**Lou Girardin** · 14th March 2006, 13:46

Suspended Asst Commissioner Clint Rickards has been wearing his uniform to court as he stands trial for rape.
I did wonder if he was permitted to do so. Apparently he's not.
The Police bosses are seeking an explanation from him and directed him to cease.
Was this a ploy to elicit sympathy from the jury?
Then again, they dress scumbags in suits for court. Maybe we should have a "Truth in dress code" so that juries see crims in their true colours.

**MSTRS:Me** · 14th March 2006, 13:51

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Suspended Asst Commissioner Clint Rickards has been wearing his uniform to court as he stands trial for rape.
I did wonder if he was permitted to do so. Apparently he's not.
The Police bosses are seeking an explanation from him and directed him to cease.
Was this a ploy to elicit sympathy from the jury?
Then again, they dress scumbags in suits for court. Maybe we should have a "Truth in dress code" so that juries see crims in their true colours.

Nope - not sympathy - intimidation. What this man appears to do best. Even looks like a thug - shaved head & pugnacious jaw and all.

**marty** · 14th March 2006, 13:52

i know clint - he was the waikato d/c when i was there. didn't care much for him then either.

and yeah - scumbags in court wearing suits. i can understand and have some respect for people who don't usually dress up who make the effort for court, but (as an example) has anyone seen the difference between scott watson the vagrant yachtie and scott watson the defendant?

**marty** · 14th March 2006, 13:54

fuck yeah - should have seen him in the police gym in shorts and singlet - he's an indimidating looking man with tats/shaved head, weighing 300lbs, and holding the hamilton police station bench press record.....

**MSTRS:Me** · 14th March 2006, 14:08

Originally Posted by marty

.....anyone seen the difference between scott watson the vagrant yachtie and scott watson the defendant?

First impressions and all that ?? Point tho - will he turn out to be another Arthur Allan Thomas?

**marty** · 14th March 2006, 14:15

i'm not making any judgements, just an observation. i met watson in 97-ish, and he certainly didn't look like he does now.

**Colapop** · 14th March 2006, 14:16

Scumbags are scumbags whether they're wearing suits or not. Hopefully the jury hears the case, gets the facts (not swayed by a cock and bull story) and delivers a just verdict.
If it's a conviction lock him up with the rest of them. If it's all BS then bill the woman for wasting police and the judicial system's time.

Truth be known I can't see him getting convicted - regardless of the truth.

**MSTRS:Me** · 14th March 2006, 14:22

Originally Posted by Colapop

Truth be known I can't see him getting convicted - regardless of the truth.

Might depend on how many toes he's stepped on.....but if the jury really is of his peers ...well, I suspect you are right

**Swoop** · 14th March 2006, 14:47

Wearing your "work" clothes to court, when the alleged offences occurred (presumably) when he was off-duty and not representing the police is a bit off to say the least. I doubt the commissioner wants the sight of a police uniform shown standing in the dock!

**sAsLEX** · 14th March 2006, 15:09

Dont see Military people in civillian courts in Uniform

**Jackrat** · 14th March 2006, 18:37

Just goes to show how arrogant he is.
He would of known the rules but decided he'd do what ever he liked.
Doesn't make him look good at all.
Hope he swings.

**Hitcher** · 14th March 2006, 19:27

The "truth" is still to come out in this trial. And afterwards.

**myvice** · 14th March 2006, 20:32

What does the truth have to do with justice?

**spudchucka** · 14th March 2006, 22:43

Originally Posted by Swoop

Wearing your "work" clothes to court, when the alleged offences occurred (presumably) when he was off-duty and not representing the police is a bit off to say the least. I doubt the commissioner wants the sight of a police uniform shown standing in the dock!

He's suspended from duty, technically I guess you could say that he isn't currently a police officer.

The notable difference was Keith Abbott, on trial for murder but wore his police uniform every day in court.