A senior police officer, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, has faced court after being filmed drinking and dancing with colleagues before he crashed his work vehicle into a barrier and fled the scene. The officer, 47, was fined $1,500 and given a two-year community corrections order for mid-range drink driving at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court. While prosecutors attempted to charge him with a high-range offence, a magistrate deemed the evidence insufficient.
The incident occurred on May 13, 2023, after the officer consumed over 20 drinks within nine hours. He did not undergo a breath test as he left the scene, although an expert estimated his blood-alcohol level at 0.137 at the time of the crash. The court heard the officer admitted to falling asleep at the wheel and left his car parked in a side street.
While the officer is currently on a paid absence, he is facing ongoing scrutiny due to a previous misconduct ruling from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission for leaving the crash scene to dodge alcohol testing. Despite his challenges, including serious mental health issues attributed to his frontline service, his defence lawyer has argued for leniency, highlighting his long history of bravery in duty. The case has raised questions of transparency, given the delay in charges and police communication regarding the incident.