Statement by Richard Worth

Put out by Star PR on behalf of Worth:

“The public should suspend any judgment until allegations against me have been resolved.

“I have not committed any offence. I am presently co-operating fully with the police and will continue to do so.

“There has been a rush to judgment on the basis of rumour and speculation, which has been damaging to my political career and hurtful for my family and friends.

“There is a well known principle in New Zealand that a person is presumed innocent until they have been proved guilty. At the moment, I have not even been charged with any criminal offence, let alone had the opportunity to defend myself.”

“I maintain that I am innocent of any crime, and I will defend myself vigorously against any accusations that I have broken the law.”