Police probe ‘historical sex assault’ claims against Robert Doyle
Police are interviewing alleged victims of former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle over claims relating to inappropriate behaviour — one year after he resigned over sex harassment allegations.
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Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle over “historical sexual assault matters”.
Several women have been interviewed by police in relation to Mr Doyle over the allegations.
It is believed some claims go back decades when Mr Doyle was a teacher in Geelong.
Others are believed involve his time as lord mayor — a role he relinquished last year amid a sexual harassment scandal.
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Others are believed involve his time as lord mayor — a role he relinquished last year amid a sexual harassment scandal.
Detectives are expected to make a decision on whether to launch a full investigation based on interviews with a number of alleged victims.
“At this time it is only in the preliminary stages and the matter is under assessment,” a police spokeswoman said.
Mr Doyle resigned in February 2018 amid a City of Melbourne inquiry into sexual harassment allegations made against him by former councillor Tessa Sullivan.
Mr Doyle, a former Melbourne Health chairman, was also investigated over allegedly inappropriate behaviour at a Royal Melbourne Hospital dinner in 2016.
The Herald Sun understands at least one woman reported sexual harassment allegations to police after being “angered” at the inability of the council resolve the matter.
“This caused frustrations to arise and from there the complainant decided to go to police,” a source said.
A separate Health Department probe into the hospital dinner claims was unable to be completed due to Mr Doyle’s inability to give evidence because of ill health.
Mr Doyle has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding all allegations.
The Herald Sun is not suggesting the allegations are true, only that they have been made and are being investigated.
In March 2018, a city council report confirmed four findings against Mr Doyle, including that he touched the breast of Ms Sullivan in the mayoral car.
Two findings relating to sexual harassment involved Greens councillor Cathy Oke.
In the wake of the report, Mr Doyle’s wife, Emma Page, Campbell said only one of the eight initial allegations concerning Ms Sullivan had been upheld. “This finding, however, is not accepted by Robert,” she said.
Mr Doyle and Mr Doyle’s lawyer were contacted for comment but did not respond.