NSW: Upper house MP cleared of hacking = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2001
NSW: Upper house MP cleared of hacking = 2

The report, signed by Crime Agencies detective Inspector Colin Dyson, said the investigation
had failed to identify any evidence of wrongdoing.

"No criminal actions were identified," it said.

"Having regard to the above, it is intended no further action be taken."

Four computers - two from each of Mr Kelly's and Mr Lynn's parliamentary offices -
were seized as part of the investigation.

Parliamentary staff, MPs and others who may have been able to access the computers
also were interviewed, the report said.

A forensic examination of the parliamentary central file server and parliament's Internet
provider also was conducted.

Mr Kelly, who was forced to step aside during the investigation, immediately welcomed
the findings.

He said he was told of the investigation outcome by his lawyers yesterday.

Mr Kelly, who repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, said he looked forward to resuming
his parliamentary duties.

He said the incident had been extremely hard on himself and his family.

"The NSW police investigation vindicates me and condemns those who made outrageous
and untrue claims," he said in a statement.

"I have always emphatically denied any involvement in computer hacking.

"I cooperated fully with the police investigation and I am pleased they have found
no wrongdoing."

Mr Kelly gave up his roles of deputy president of the upper house, chairman of committees
and parliamentary convenor of Country Labor after the allegations of hacking became public
earlier this month.

Comment has been sought from the state opposition.

AAP ls/arb/ns/bwl

KEYWORD: HACKING CLEARED 2 SYDNEY

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