A Richibucto woman who says she was sexually assaulted by a retired police officer is suing the RCMP, alleging the force discouraged her from pursuing charges against the man nine years ago.

Nicole Gallant's statement of claim alleges the police force was negligent in investigating her complaint, choosing to resolve it at a "restorative justice forum," where she faced the man she says sexually assaulted her at work.

It also alleges the force failed to foresee that the retired officer, Allan Larin, "was a danger to everyone at District 5," where Gallant is an administrative assistant.

Larin died from cancer in April, according to an obituary.