A former policeman accused of extorting free sex from a prostitute sat cringing, head in hands as his police interview tape was played to the High Court at Christchurch today.
Nathan Connolly, 31, a married man, has denied obtaining a bribe from a prostitute and two counts of sex with consent induced by threat.
The interview conducted by Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey took place at Christchurch Central Police station in September 2007.
Connolly said he started having sex with the complainant when he was 18 and continued until he joined the police force about three years later.
He denied threatening to give her thousands of dollars worth of tickets if she did not give him free sex
He said he maintained a casual relationship with her after he became a policeman because he thought she would be a good informant especially as her boyfriend had gang connections.
"She's a street worker and lots of things come her way."
When Mr Harvey suggested it was an odd way to enlist an informant, Connolly replied that it was "not ideal from a professional point of view".
He agreed he did not follow any of the accepted procedures regarding informants, particularly women.
Mr Harvey asked Connolly why if the complainant worked for money she would let him do it for free.
"Because she thought that it was kinky with a cop the first time.
"After that I don't know. I never once used my position to hold or wage something over her. Never once."
The trial continues tomorrow.
