A former top police officer who was found guilty last year of four charges of attempting to obstruct or defeat the course of justice has asked the Court of Appeal to overturn his convictions.
John Dewar was jailed for 4½ years in October over his handling of sex allegations by Louise Nicholas against other former officers.
He was in charge of the Rotorua CIB in 1993 when Ms Nicholas made allegations against Clint Rickards and former officers Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum.
At trial, the Crown said Dewar covered up the allegations made by Ms Nicholas and gave inadmissable evidence at the trial of another former policeman.
His lawyer told the Court of Appeal a direction to the jury about comments Dewar made should not have been given, and the Crown failed to cross-examine him on significant issues.
However, the Crown said the direction was entirely appropriate and could not have confused the jury.
The court has reserved its decision.
