A Victorian police officer faces a $40,000 fine and two-years in prison after allegedly leaking photos of former AFL player and coach Dean Laidley inside a Melbourne police station following his arrest at the weekend.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters on Monday afternoon he was “appalled” that a male police officer had taken the photographs.
“I’m appalled that an employee of Victoria police has taken these photographs. It’s unacceptable conduct, its appalling conduct and that type of conduct has no place in our organisation.
“It breaches a person’s privacy … it breaches their human rights and we’re taking this matter extremely seriously … it’s a breach of our values,” he said.
He said the alleged actions of the male senior constable were “unlawful” and it was criminal conduct.
- Related: Ex-AFL coach Dean Laidley arrested
Commissioner Patton confirmed the police officer from the southern metropolitan region was suspended with pay on Monday after the dissemination of the photographs.
He said the member was interviewed and faces charges in relation to unauthorised disclosure of information.
The “significant offence” attracts a $40,000 fine and up to two years in prison.
He said up to six other police officers had had the photographs sent to them.
The force said Professional Standards Command had begun a thorough investigation and would look into “all aspects of the matter”.
Watch the full press conference here
Laidley was arrested on Saturday night outside a home in St Kilda and charged with stalking and other offences.
On Sunday, photos of the 53-year-old’s mug shot, as well as a photo of him in a long blonde wig and wearing a dress were disseminated on social media.
The latter photo appears to be taken from inside the police station looking into the interview room where Laidley was being questioned.
The police officer will also be subject to internal disciplinary measures and the corruption watchdog has been notified, Mr Patton said.
Police Minister Lisa Neville described the leak as “completely unacceptable”.
“It was an idiotic thing to do, it’s an unacceptable thing to do,” she told reporters.
But Ms Neville dismissed concerns the taking and leaking of the photos had transphobic overtones.
“I think this had much more to do about football than it did about anything else, but let the investigation go on,” she said.
Tweet from @deeglaw
Laidley’s lawyer Dee Giannopoulos described the incident as a gross breach of privacy.
“Outraged that pictures of my client, taken by some police officer, on the sly, when in custody in interview have hit the media. Typical #grossbreachofprivacy,” she tweeted.
Another of his lawyers, Bill Doogue, also tweeted his anger.
“Disgraceful. Taking photos unlawfully and sharing them. And these were sneaky photos while in Police interview in Police Station by a Police Officer,” Mr Doogue said.
“Police should investigate and those involved pull down immediately.”
Tweet from @billdoogue
Laidley faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday and will remain in custody until May 11 after not applying for bail.
He played 151 AFL games from 1987-97 and was an inaugural player at West Coast.
After 52 games with the Eagles he joined the Kangaroos from 1993 and played 99 games at Arden St, including their 1996 premiership.
Laidley succeeded Denis Pagan as North coach in 2003 and in 149 games led them to the finals three times, before resigning during the 2009 season.
He then had assistant coaching roles at three AFL clubs until 2015.
-with AAP
The post Police officer suspended after leak of Dean Laidley photos while in custody appeared first on The New Daily.
**Business and Marketing support on best price; Hit the link now----> http://bit.ly/2HsQmSi