Thomas slammed the use of phrases including \u201csexual assault\u201d and \u201csickening\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that set the tone for the entire investigation,\u201d he said on Thursday. \u201cThe opening line of the journalist concerned continued the narrative.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe report from that moment was about sexual assault, groping, sickening turn of events and we believe, in hindsight having viewed the evidence, way over played the incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat meant the investigation was immediately on the back foot. It was dealing with a public perception that was being created\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we saw the footage it became crystal clear to us that there was a huge discrepancy between what we saw and what was being reported.<\/p>\n
\u201cSam had no opportunity to defend his position. His name was out there\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cBut at no stage was Sam afforded that opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Thomas said what happened inside the club was a “long way from sexual assault”.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve accepted the finding, we accept that inappropriate touching is a matter of personal opinion. I don\u2019t know that it\u2019s respectful to delve into that too greatly\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cThe evidence we have seen shows clearly and distinctly that that touching was a long, long way away from sexual assault.<\/p>\n
\u201cSam\u2019s position on this has not changed since day one. Sam can\u2019t recollect a whole lot of what happened on the night\u2026 he hasn\u2019t tried to deny that.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n