A NSW Police critical incident team will investigate the death of one of its own officers after a policeman was found dead near Wagga Wagga.
Concerns were raised for the male officer’s welfare with colleagues heading to the Sturt Highway about 30km from Wagga Wagga on Wednesday afternoon.
The officer’s death is non-suspicious circumstances, and a critical incident team has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
Police say a critical incident investigation has been launched after the death yesterday of a police officer near the Sturt Highway 30km from Wagga Wagga. “At this time there is no evidence the incident is suspicious.”
Police Statement: A critical incident investigation has been launched after the death of a police officer near Wagga Wagga. Police were called to the Sturt Highway about 30km from Wagga Wagga around 4.25pm yesterday (Wednesday 11 April 2018) after concerns were raised for the welfare of an officer. Ambulance paramedics responded to the location but were unable to revive the officer. At this time there is no evidence the incident is suspicious. A critical incident team has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
That investigation will be subject to independent review.
Police disappointed at close of Operation Tortoise
It would have been difficult to escape a random breath test in Wagga across the Easter long weekend.
It follows a Highway Patrol crack down on fatigue, drink and drug-driving.
With thousands hitting the roads for the holiday, Riverina police conducted more than 6600 random breath tests across four days.
These numbers come at the close of Operation Tortoise, with double-demerits in force until midnight on Monday.
Despite the low number of drivers busted drink driving, acting-Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright said the behaviour of drivers across the region had been disappointing.
“The message isn’t getting out there,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “People are still speeding.”
He said road users continued to put the lives of their passengers and other people in danger, with more than 200 drivers issued speeding fines.
A further 25 infringements were issued for not wearing seatbelts and 308 drivers were busted for other traffic offences.
“People shouldn’t have to die for drivers to listen,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “This should be a wake-up call.”
His words follow the tragic death of an elderly driver on a Riverina road, near Jindera, on Monday morning.
This death brought the number of fatalities on Riverina roads to six this year.
“That’s ridiculously high,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “Up until March 28, there were 59 fatalities on state roads – a definite increase on last year.”
Police say the results of this year’s initiative to reduce the holiday road toll are concerning.
It follows Wagga Highway Patrol’s launch of Operation Safe Arrival on December 22.
Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright on Tuesday said local officers, combined with resources from Sydney, had already performed thousands of random breath tests across Wagga.
The Highway Patrol chief said of more than 8520 tests, ten drivers had been caught drink driving.
In addition, Sergeant Sivewright said 225 drivers had been fined for speeding across the region, which was more than half the combined number of traffic-related offences, during that period.
“We are concerned about the 10 drink driving offences,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “We’d like that to be zero.”
Double demerits will apply from Friday, December 22 with all Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff on duty until New Year.
Sergeant Sivewright urged Riverina drivers to stick to the speed limit, to make a plan-b and to get to their destination safely.
Highway Patrol want you to survive the drive home this Christmas | Video
Madeleine Clarke
Wagga’s Highway Patrol force are gearing up for the busy Christmas period with Operation Safe Arrival kicking off today.
Double demerits will apply from Friday, December 22 with all Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff on duty until New Year performing random breath tests, mobile drug testing, speed enforcement and vehicle and driver compliance checks.
Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright said the Riverina cluster will be boosted by additional resources from Sydney.
“We’ll have all our vehicles out on the roads during the day and night time so the public can see us.”
The Wagga Command is made up of 20 officers and nine vehicles.
“With more people going away, wanting to get there, they can get distracted by their mobile phones, we’ll be out there trying to deter people from committing offences,” Sergeant Sivewright said.
“For those travelling long distances we hope they have had at least eight hours sleep before they begin their journey, and stop every two hours or when tired.
“Personal responsibility is the key to road safety in NSW. We urge those on our roads over the school holidays, Christmas and the New Year to help us keep everyone safe on NSW roads.”
Last Christmas and New Year period saw 40 people die on Australian roads, up from 34 the year before.
NSW was the worst state for fatalities, claiming 12 of the dead.
I have decided to support NSW Police Legacy’s largest annual fundraiser in remembrance of all deceased NSW Police Force Officers.
I’m raising funds to continue providing essential financial assistance and social programs and experiences to the widows, widowers and dependent children of deceased police officers.
Through here you can easily support this great cause.
I would also really appreciate it if you could share my page above or comment below so more people know about it.
Click ‘Donate Now’ to make a secure online donation.
Thanks so much for your support!
.
Stephen Sivewright
Donated AUD $53.00 online in support of David Clarke
Stephen Sivewright, from Diddine Brahman Stud at South Lismore, was awarded junior and senior reserve champion bull at the Sydney show, making it three out of four Royal Easter Shows he has entered where he has won reserve champion.
Family mourns dedicated Wangaratta police officer, father and ‘lovable idiot’ Gavin Frew
Shana Morgan
The death of Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew has devastated his family and Wangaratta police colleagues who always found joy in his unique ways.
He had been stationed with the Wangaratta Highway Patrol in recent years after moving to the region from Horsham, but died this week.
Daughter Kaycee Frew said her father was her best friend.
“He was a loving husband, an amazing father and a lovable idiot to all,” she said.
“His many years of service in the Victoria police brought joy to the people who worked with him – the hole left in our lives is deep and painful.”
Leading Senior Constable Frew was known for his dedication to the job and sense of humour, but also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ms Frew described him as her “sad clown” and wanted to make him the face of the disorder within Victoria Police. His death comes as Police Remembrance Day will be commemorated on September 29.
Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said messages of sympathy for the loss of Leading Senior Constable Frew had come from the Border region and from Horsham.
“He was always quite vocal around the building … it’s had a really significant impact,” he said.
“We’re shocked and saddened. Gavin was a well-liked and very well-respected member of the Wangaratta Highway Patrol and he’s also really well known across the force.”
Horsham-based friend Michael Ryan said Leading Senior Constable Frew was loved by all.
“He was a gorgeous young man. It was very hard to not like him, even as a copper. He was just good to people,” he said.
“There was nothing about him that was evil or mean.”
Mr Ryan knew Mr Frew through their mutual involvement with Horsham Saints Football Netball Club.
“Gavin came from a fantastic family – really good community-minded people,” he said.
“He was really good policeman. It takes a bit of skill and nous to be good at the job and still be at peace with your community, but he was both. We could do with a lot more people like him.”
A service for Leading Senior Constable Frew will be held in Wangaratta next week.
If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Date of birth: 26 March, 1969 Date of passing: 23 September, 2017
FREW – Gavin John
(Late of Mt Bruno and formerly of Horsham)
Tragically taken too soon on Saturday September 23, 2017 aged 48 years.
Soulmate and best friend to Rebecca, Brendan, Jemma and Kaycee.
Beloved son of Neil and Maree and son-in-law to Gary and Diane.
Adored brother and brother-in-law of Jodie, Nicole, Fiona-Louise, Rodney and their families.
You left a space no-one can fill.
You were loved beyond life.
Funeral Details
Funeral Prayers for Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew 27893 will be offered in Our Lady’s Catholic Church, corner of Murdoch Road and White Street, Wangaratta on Thursday October 5, 2017 commencing at 10.30am.
A Private Cremation will follow this Service.
POLICE HONOURS
In lieu of flowers, a donation made to the Starlight Foundation for Rosie Carroll would be greatly appreciated. Donation envelopes will be available at the Church.
The final salute of respect for much-loved Wangaratta police officer Gavin Frew
Shana Morgan
The emotional, and at times funny, funeral for Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew was a fitting tribute to the well-loved Wangaratta police officer.
His colleagues lined White Street after the service on Thursday in a guard of honour, saluting his casket and family members as a final mark of respect.
Leading Senior Constable Frew’s death came as a shock to those around him, and wife Bec Frew thanked the hundreds of people at the funeral for their support to keep her strong.
“If everybody just took on that little bit of love and happiness, and shared it with everyone around them, what a wonderful world it would be,” she said
“You were my other half, my soulmate, my anchor in so many storms … You made our world a better place, you will be forever in our hearts.”
He was remembered as a proud father, larrikin big brother, devoted friend and although he was constantly making those around him laugh on and off the job, he was the ultimate professional as a police officer.
Daughter Kaycee Frew said the day was a chance to “celebrate the life of a very loved idiot”.
Kaycee Frew September 24, 2017 · It hurts my soul to inform you all that my best mate Gavin has left us too soon. I will miss you forever. Thanks for helping to make me the amazing person I am today. Miss you so much already Dad. Rest easy my Gangster. ❤️
“My dad had the amazing ability to make people laugh in any circumstance, especially under serious ones. His cheeky smile and quirky personality is what we’ll all miss the most,” she said.
Leading Senior Constable Frew graduated the police academy in 1989, passing the final fitness test despite a broken collarbone he suffered while trying to do a stand-up somersault after winning a football final.
He served in Broadmeadows, Ararat and Horsham, before moving to Wangaratta in 2012.
Most of the speakers at the funeral recounted Leading Senior Constable Frew’s favourite piece of trivia he would constantly ask family, friends, colleagues and even people he pulled over on the road: when was the Battle of Hastings?
Wangaratta Highway Patrol Sergeant Michael Connors confirmed the legend that the officer was always looking for a motorist who knew the right answer, 1066. “If they got that correct, there was a chance of them getting a warning,” he said.
Leading Senior Constable Frew’s call sign “Wangaratta 610” has been retired as a mark of respect.
Thursday’s service was also attended by Acting Chief Commissioner Andrew Crisp and Acting Assistant Commissioner Clive Rust.
Donations to the Starlight Children’s Foundation were being collected by the family in lieu of flowers.
Police ‘macho culture’ needs to change
Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew was a man of extraordinary light and good humour, but he was also one of many police officers who suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.
His family now want to raise awareness of the condition.
Long-time friend Anthony Hoffmann told Thursday’s service about the many good times he had with Leading Senior Constable Frew, but said things had to change when it came to dealing with PTSD.
“Over the years we’d always get together and trade some war stories – some funny, some not so funny – but we’d never talk about how these moments affected us, I guess mainly because silently we did not want to appear weak,” he said.
“This is wrong and we need to change this attitude.
“If there’s one thing we can and should take away from this tragedy, it’s that we need to change this macho culture and to learn to talk and to ask for help when we need it, otherwise we’ll needlessly lose more sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters – enough is enough.
“I implore you to take this message away today: life is precious and our time here short, so we owe it to our loved ones to be the best we can, but we can’t do that alone so it’s time to man up and be honest with those around you.
“Don’t wait to be asked, just please ask for help if you need it.”
Mr Hoffmann said his friend was a very courageous man, looking out for team mates on the football field and in other parts of life.
“He never took a backwards step, even when the odds were stacked against him,” he said.
If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14.
SPECIAL MAN: Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew was remembered as an “idiot to all and loved by everyone”.
GUARD OF HONOUR: Wangaratta, Horsham and police command officers along White Street after Thursday’s funeral. Pictures: MARK JESSER
Horsham Saints Cricket Club Like This Page · September 26, 2017 · Vale Gavin Frew. This morning I learnt of the untimely passing of Gavin Frew who by his own words couldn’t bat and couldn’t bowl. Gavin played just the 20 matches for the club for 68 runs (HS 26) but he did return for our premiership reunions earlier this year as a member of the C Grade 1988/89 premiership team. Gavin was a Vicpol member here in Horsham before heading up to Wangaratta. On behalf of the Horsham Saints (formally St. Michael’s) Cricket Club we pass on our condolences to his family. – Trent King, Secretary Remember is ok to not be ok. It’s always okay to ask for help. If you notice mates acting strange it doesn’t hurt to ask if they are okay. with Mike Toone.
Garin COLLINS
| 16/04/2018
Garin COLLINS
Late of ?
Western Australia Police Force
Regd. # 11141
Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?
Service: From? ? ? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: “possibly” Wednesday 28 February 2018
Age: ?
Cause: Suicide
Event location: Joondalup, W.A.
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Thursday 8 March 2018 @ 10am
Funeral location: West Chapel, Pinnaroo Valley Crematorium, Whitfords & Gibsons Ave
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE WEAR SOMETHING GREEN
& any Hibby’s out there, if you want to wear strips or scarves – please feel free to do so.
Funeral Parlour: TBA
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial located at: ?TBA
[alert_yellow]GARIN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Its with heavy hearts that we advise of the passing of highly respected former WAPOLSenior Constable Garin Collins 11141, who sadly took his own life at Joondalup in Perth’s north earlier this week.
Our deepest and sincere condolences to Garin’s family, friends and to his life long blue brothers and sisters.
Lets not dwell on how he died, but rather how he lived…
JUFC to wear black armbands as mark of respect for former player Garin Collins
Joondalup United is saddened to hear news of the passing of former midfielder Garin Collins earlier this week.
Edinburgh native Collins was an integral part of the JUFC team which won the 2014 State League Division Two title without losing a game.
Dubbed ‘The Invincibles’ for their achievement, the talented side conquered the Division at the first attempt following their promotion from the Amateur League, and Collins was the Coach’s Player of the Year.
“Garin was different class the year we went unbeaten in State League Division Two and he easily won our Coach’s Player of the Year,” said JUFC NPL Operations Manager Rudy Proctor, who was part of the first team coaching staff at the time.
“His quality on the ball and will to win were on another level; when he crossed that white line all that mattered to him was winning and he dragged his team mates along with him.
“He would run through a brick wall for his team mates and coaching staff to get three points.”
As well as JUFC, Collins played for a number of Perth clubs, including Floreat Athena, ECU Joondalup, Quinns and Cockburn City, during an excellent career at State League level.
“We are all gutted at JUFC, and we especially gutted for his young children and his family in both Scotland and Australia,” said Proctor.
“Our thoughts are also with his best mate and current JUFC player Ross Edwards, I have no idea how those close to him must be feeling but we are all thinking of them and will do what we can to make things easier in any way possible.
“Rest in peace, Garin, you will forever be a JUFC Invincible.”
JUFC’s NPL first team will wear black armbands as a tribute to Collins for this Saturday’s game against Bayswater City, and everyone at the club offers their condolences to his family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
If you need to talk for any reason, don’t hesitate to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine 1300 78 99 78.
RIP GARIN COLLINS
West Australian football is in shock following the sudden death of the likeable Scot Garin Collins.
The left-sided frontman first played for Sorrento in 1994 and over the years turned out for such clubs as ECU Joondalup, Bassendean Caledonian, Floreat Athena, Mandurah City, Wanneroo City, Joondalup United, Canning City and Quinns winning many awards along the journey.
He was an integral part of ‘The Invincibles’ when Joondalup United clinched the 2014 State League D2 championship without defeat – after shifting from the amateur ranks the season prior. Proof of his impact came in the form of the Coach’s Player of the Year award.
“His quality on the ball and will to win were on another level,” said Rudy Proctor, Joodalup’s NPL Operations Manager.
A Hibbees fan from Edinburgh, Garin passed away earlier this week – he had turned 38 last month.
JUFC’s NPL first team will wear black armbands against Bayswater City this Saturday.
The Western Australian football family offers its deepest sympathy to Garin’s family and friends.
If you need to talk for any reason, don’t hesitate to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine 1300 78 99 78.
‘Look out for the vest: we’ll do the rest’ could be the motto of the new contract security staff who are now patrolling the Crawley campus.
The University now employs security guards 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They wear blue vests with bands of red and white checks to ensure staff and students notice them and know they can ask them for help.
Garin Collins, a UWA staff duty officer and field supervisor, said there was a fine line between providing a presence and unnecessarily interrupting people as they work.
“But we want everybody to know we are here to help,” he said. “I think, at first, people weren’t approaching us because they thought we were parking inspectors!”
The contract staff constantly patrol the campus four at a time – in two pairs. They are part of a complete security upgrade being implemented by Bob Leaver.
Mr Leaver has been the Manager of Security for 18 months and is completing a new master plan for the University.
“It started with a lot of staff training, then we got the Wilsons Security contract guards on board,” he said. “We are in the process of creating improved response services and hoping to get an electric vehicle to make our night time escort service quicker and more efficient and enhance response capabilities to incidents and emergencies.”
The most visible change is that security guards are now also on duty during daylight hours. There were only night shifts before the new regime.
“We’ll find that our incident statistics will increase,” Mr Leaver said. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean more crime on campus. It means we are detecting more incidents and dealing more efficiently with crime and problems.”
He said the guards recently made a citizen’s arrest of a man who was trying to break into a vending machine near the Maths building recently.
“The evening patrol noticed the locks had been tampered with and they assumed whoever had done that would come back. So we put on extra patrols the next day and the man came back with a drill to drill out the lock – and he was arrested.
“That could not have happened last year, without security staff working in daylight hours,” Mr Leaver said.
The contract staff provide the foot patrols; the UWA staff supervise and help them, and are available for emergencies.
Mr Collins said he thought students were slowly getting used to seeing the uniformed guards around the campus and even inside some areas such as libraries. “At first, it was like seeing police walking through your work area. You ask: What’s happening? Now they realise nothing’s happening, but I hope they are feeling safe.”
Mr Leaver said the new guards were high quality employees who had a focus on customer service, had good education and experience, and were able to deal with any incidents.
He said he anticipated that the new security plan would eventually include improved closed circuit television cameras, ‘Help’ points and lighting to make the campus even safer.
When several men in an hotel ( the Rose & Crown ) at Young were drinking the health of Constable Cartwright, he replied, ” I will bet you £5 I will be dead before any of you. If this gun cartridge will not finish me this revolver will. I invite you all to my funeral.” Later in the night the body of Cartwright was found on the Wombat-road with his brains blown out.
Young Witness (NSW : 1915 – 1923), Tuesday 9 December 1919, page 2
Bert Cartwright’s Death
CORONIAL INQUEST.
The Coroner, Mr. G. S. Whiteman conducted an inquest this morning concerning the death of Bert Watson Cartwright, constable of police, who was found on the Wombat road on the night of December 3rd with his brains blown out, and a double barrelled gun beside him.
Formal evidence of the finding of the body was given by Constable Auld.
George Eastley, a gardener, residing at Spring Creek, said that he had known Bert Cartwright since childhood, and had always been on friendly terms with him. At a few minutes past seven on the evening of December 3rd, deceased had come to his home. He behaved in a peculiar manner, was staring about, and kept looking at his watch. At times he talked quite sensibly. After having a cup of tea he asked for his gun at 7.30 p.m. and announced his intention of going to town alone, but witness insisted on going part of the way with him. Deceased had been shooting rabbits in the locality, and had left the gun in witness’ keeping about three weeks before. Deceased shook hands with Mr. Punt, Mrs. Eastley and Miss Eastley, and as he reached the door said
“THIS IS THE LAST GOODBYE”
As he and witness walked along the road together, deceased said ” I’m going to shoot myself tonight.” Witness replied. ” Don’t talk so foolishly,” but he insisted, ” It must be done tonight.” Both sat down and for an hour witness tried to reason with him, but he repeated, ” It must be done tonight.” When he made an effort to get the gun as they moved off, deceased said, ” You can’t get the gun, and if you did I’ve got a loaded revolver.” After a hundred yards he became excited and looked fierce. He took the gun out and ran into the scrub. Witness could not catch him, so returned home,and went a quarter of a mile for the assistance of his son. Both went to Mr. Bailey’s, and word came through by Mr. W. Eastley that Cartwright had returned to witness’ residence. Witness hurried back and found Bert Cartwright with the loaded gun in his hands and eventually persuaded him to come in and have a cup of coffee and some cake. Again he became restless, would stare, and kept pulling out his watch. At ten thirty witness asked him to stay the night, but he persisted in going. Witness asked him to come tomorrow, but he would not promise. Neither would he promise to go to the pictures next night. Both men walked a few hundred yards along the road when deceased ordered witness to go back. Witness appealed to him to think of his sister and brothers and not to take his life. As they continued, witness asked him for a loan of the gun, but he refused. Then he rushed ahead, put the gun cleaner and the case on a post, stared at witness for a full minute, made a cigarette and lit it. Then he rushed up to witness, and staring at him, said, ” You know nothing. ” He took up the cleaner and case again, shook witness’ right hand, said
” GOOD BYE, OLD FELLOW, GOOD LUCK. “
and rushing away, called out, ” It will all be over before you get home ” Witness could not catch him and walked homewards. Having gone 100 yards, witness heard the report of a gun, and hastening home, got Mr. Punt to accompany him to the place whence the gunshot came.
They found Bert Cartwright dead on the side of the main road, in the shade of a bush. The gun was beside him. Mr. Punt waited while witness went to telephone to the police, who arrived about an hour later, and removed the body. Witness had asked deceased several times to explain his trouble, but the invariable reply would be. ” It is too late. ” Having known deceased all his life, witness believed him to be a temperate, steady young man. Generally speaking, deceased’s actions at ordinary times showed that he was not quite right in his mind. Witness believed that his troubles were imaginary.
Richard Punt, laborer, of Spring Creek, gave evidence of deceased having had one drink on the date of the fatality. He corroborated the evidence of the previous witness.
Mrs. Castledine, proprietress of the Rose and Crown Hotel, said that deceased was having a few drinks at the hotel on the afternoon of December 3rd, and when the other men wished him good luck, he said, ” I’ll bet you £5 I’m dead before any of you. If I don’t do it with this (a cartridge), I’ll do it with this (a revolver). Will you all come to the funeral?” Deceased stayed at the hotel for tea. He said that he was in trouble, but would not explain what the trouble was.
Mr. O. W. Cartwright, father of the deceased, deposed that his son was 27 years of age, and had been a member of the police force for three years. He was a single man stationed at Lightning Ridge, and did not wish to go back. His mother’s death, which took place two and a half years ago, had played on his mind.
Sergeant Wood deposed that he had received communication from the Police Department that the deceased was sober and trustworthy.
A verdict of suicide while temporarily insane wast recorded.
Young Witness (NSW : 1915 – 1923), Friday 5 December 1919, page 2
Shooting Fatality.
CONSTABLE CARTWRIGHT FOUND DEAD.
The report of a gun was heard near the Wombat road, about 13 miles from Young at about 11 o’clock on Wednesday night. Hurrying to the spot, Messrs Geo. Eastley and Potts found the dead body of Bert Watson Cartwright. A sporting gun ( double barrelled ) was near the body. The deceased man’s head was badly mutilated, obviously by a shot from the gun which, on examination, was seen to have just been discharged. Death must have been instantaneous.
Personal troubles had been known to have been a source of much worry to the deceased, who was a constable of police stationed at Lightning Hill, but at the time was visiting his relatives at Young on a holiday.
He had called for the gun, which had been left at Mr. G. Eastley‘s house, and had said that it was his intention to end it all. Mr. Eastley‘s attempts to dissuade him were of no avail.
The profoundest sympathy of many residents who have known Ben Cartwright from boyhood, are expressed for his bereaved relatives.
An inquest into the cause of the death will be held on Tuesday.
The interment was made in the Church of England cemetery to-day,
Young Witness (NSW : 1915 – 1923), Tuesday 20 June 1916, page 2
POLICE EXAM.
Mr. Bert Cartwright, son of Mr. O W. Cartwright, J.P., has been successful in passing an examination for entry into the mounted police force. Mr Cartwright was successfully coached by Mr. D. Perks at his evening school. We congratulate both teacher and pupil.
Mr. Bert. Cartwright, son of Mr. O. W Cartwright, met with an accident at his home on Sunday which might easily have been attended with more serious consequences. He.appears to have been extracting some bullets from a revolver, when he got his finger on the trigger and the weapon went off. Portion of his left hand was over the muzzle and the bullet went right through it. The fleshy part of the palm was punctured, just outside the bone connecting the little finger, but fortunately the bone was missed and the flesh only was wounded.
In memoriam: Sergeant Owen Timothy HARMS APM, Queensland Police Service, died on 1st August 2017
In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. He was later also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community.
His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We are all intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.
“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”
Fallen in the line of duty. Gone, but never forgotten and forever in our hearts.
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SHOCK: Top cop blows four times the legal limit
Sarah Barnham | 26th Jun 2017 7:20 PM Updated: 27th Jun 2017 7:43 AM
DEVASTATED: Officer in charge Miriam Vale, Owen Harms was distraught in court today as he faced up drink driving charges. Mike Richards GLA040715VALE
AFTER being on the other end of a breathalyser for 34 years, a Gladstone police officer never expected to be looking down the barrel himself.
Sergeant Owen Harms, 50, who has been stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years, faced Gladstone Magistrates Court today on one charge of operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor.
Harms’ emotional plea of guilt came after returning a blood alcohol reading of .224%, more than four times the legal limit during a breath test.
Harms broke down in the courtroom upon having the charge read out to him for the offence on May 25 at Miriam Vale.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens said at about 3.50pm police found Harms along the Bruce Highway, a short distance from the Meadow Hotel.
The court heard Harms had come from the funeral of a close friend and decided to stop in at the pub to have a few drinks.
He left the hotel and got into his car, but upon realising he was not fit to drive, he pulled over and called his wife to come and get him.
However, Sgt Stevens said someone at the hotel alerted police to Harms’ behaviour and intention to get behind the wheel.
The police arrived before Harms’ wife.
Sgt Stevens said it was evident to the attending officers that Harms was intoxicated.
Sgt Stevens said upon the sobering fact that he had blown more than four times the legal limit, Harms became very remorseful and emotional at the scene.
He told officers he knew he was in the wrong to try to drive, but once he realised, he stopped and was waiting for his wife to come and pick him up.
SO SORRY: Owen Harms, pictured in 2015, in his role as the chairman of the Gary Larson Oval Enhancement Group. Jake Jones
However, the reason for stopping at the hotel was for something else entirely; just hours earlier Harms had been told by his doctor that he was now free of bowel cancer.
The same cancer that for the past three years had forced the officer to give up his duties on the streets, take a significant pay cut and work behind a desk.
That, paired with a heart condition, a crippling case of PTSD and severe depression and anxiety, had caused a huge burden for the sergeant and his family.
The court heard the mental conditions were a direct result of some of the scenes the officer had had to face during his confronting career.
Representing Harms in the courtroom, the Queensland Police Union’s Troy Schmidt said his client was committed to the Gladstone community and throughout his career had done and achieved extraordinary things, both as an officer and a volunteer.
“During his career this man has attended many fatals and suicides, deaths and horrific scenes,” Mr Schmidt said.
Harms again broke down in court when Mr Schmidt recounted a time where the officer was called to a job where a baby needed emergency CPR.
The CPR was unsuccessful and the baby died.
It was a memory that would always haunt the officer, Mr Schmidt said.
Mr Schmidt presented 21 good character references to the courtroom including that of deputy mayor Chris Trevor, the Miriam Vale Lions Club and Gladstone Police Inspector Darren Somerville.
The references described him to be a loving, unquestionably trustworthy and a highly commendable man.
Mr Schmidt said his client was now faced with the likely prospect of demotion and, given his requirement as a police officer to retire at the age of 60, would lose hundreds of thousands in finances.
He said his client’s family was suffering greatly.
The court heard Harms had been stood down from duties at Miriam Vale and had been working in Rockhampton.
Gladstone Magistrate Melanie Ho commended the sergeant on the work he had done for the community, and said it was quite clear the offending was out of character.
Ms Ho also noted that Harms had made the right choice in pulling over on the highway rather than continuing to drive.
He was fined $1500 and disqualified from driving for 12 months, with a conviction recorded.
Harms told The Observer he was deeply regretful for his actions.
THE first rugby league game of the season at Miriam Vale’s Gary Larson Oval will be under new lights.
Gladstone Regional Council has agreed to give last year’s residual sport and recreation funding of $21,000 to caretaker group, Gary Larson Oval Enhancement Group, which was on its knees and threatening to shut the gates.
Oval leaseholder, Owen Harms, is ecstatic about the decision, handed down in council chambers yesterday.
It means Gary Larson Oval will have $44,000 worth of new lights installed by March, allowing the small town to safely host community organisations and sporting groups at the ground.
“This will be a huge boost for our senior rugby league team, the Magpies, who rely on playing at night,” Mr Harms said.
“Now we will have fantastic new lights to play under safely.
“We were on the verge of closing the gates and if this hadn’t come through that’s what we would have been looking to do.”
In November the group, which raised $23,000 towards new lights, made a desperate plea to the council after being rejected twice for funding.
This application also fell on deaf ears, the council having said it would be unfair to other groups.
In the last round of council sport and recreational funding there were five unsuccessful applications and all were invited to vie for the $20,900.
But only the application from the Gary Larson Oval group met the criteria.
Central Queensland Motor sports Complex, Benaraby put in an application but asked for $44,000 – more than double what was on offer.
Lowmead Social Cricket and Sporting Club also made a bid for $4500 of the left over funding, but their application didn’t meet the criteria either.
Sergeant Owen Harms OIC Miriam Vale receives his award from the Assistant Commissioner Michael Dondon
Last Thursday a total of 30 Officers were recognised for their diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to their community. This represented a total of 330 years served by police in the Gladstone Patrol Group. The ceremony was attended by Assistant Commissioner Michael Condon and the District Officer Superintendent Ron Van Saane. Distinguished guests included Councillor Gail Sellers, Mayor of Gladstone, Captain Dale heimer from the 42nd Battalion of the Australian Army, Members of the Gladstone Branch of the Retired Police Association, family and friends. Assistant Commissioner Condon stated of the officers who received a medal or award were, ‘an asset to the Service and Queensland, and more than deserving.” Congratulations to all recipients your skill and dedication are inspiring.
Deserving recipients of bravery awards at Wednesday’s ceremony are (from left) Sergeant Owen Harms, Sergeant Jonathon Edwards and Sergeant Michael Phillips. Photo supplied
POLICE Sergeant Michael Phillips will forever remember the day he tried to save two boys from suffocation in a collapsed sand cave at Anges Water.
Although tragically one of the boys died at the scene, the Central Queensland officer was hailed a hero for his valiant attempt to save them three years ago.
And last week he was honoured with a bravery award.
He and fellow police officer Sergeant Jonathon Edwards were awarded Bronze Medals and Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia at a ceremony at Government House in Brisbane last Wednesday.
Sergeant Phillips said he was very proud to have received the medal, but added that it was a “bittersweet moment”.
“It would have been nice if we were able to save both boys, but things don’t work out the way you want them to unfortunately,” he said. “It is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Sergeant Phillips said when the three officers were called to the beach on August 15, 2006, they did not know what to expect.
“We were just told three boys were buried; we didn’t anticipate it being the way it was,” he said.
The three men used shovels to dig for the boys who had been trying to connect two deep tunnels when the sand collapsed on them.
The men were unable to save one of the boys trapped under almost two metres of sand.
“It took us about two hours to get him out. “We performed CPR on the boy for about 20 minutes but he died. There was nothing else we could do,” he said.
Sergeant Edwards commandeered an excavator to free the other boy, who was still trapped under the sand.
Sergeant Phillips said the boy was buried up to his neck so he did every thing he could to keep him alive.
“I got into the hole with him and held an oxygen mask over his mouth to keep his airway clear,” he said.
“Once the digger could only get so close we had to dig by hand to get him out and managed to free him.”
The youngest of three boys, all brothers holidaying from the Netherlands, managed to free himself earlier and alert two French tourists of his trapped brothers.
Those tourists were also presented with awards in Paris for their rescue efforts.
Sergeant Phillips said the little boy had been very brave and stayed very calm.
“He was excellent; I was speaking to him the whole time and we talked about sports and where he was from; he wasn’t panicking at all,” he said.
Daryl Gough from Woodbury was also presented with an award for going to the rescue of a mother and three children who were saved from drowning at Nine Mile Beach, Yeppoon, on March 23 last year.
AWARDS CQ award recipients:
Bronze Medal:
Sergeant Michael Phillips
Sergeant Jonathon Edwards
Daryl Gough
Certificate of Merit:
• Sergeant Owen Harms
• 22 residents of Qld were presented with bravery awards.
One Silver Medal, 17 Bronze Medals and 4 Certificates of Merit were presented by Governor of Queensland Penelope Wensley, AO.
Community pays tribute to police officer Owen Harms after his shock death
Chris Lees, Gladstone Observer
THE community has paid tribute to Miriam Vale police officer Owen Harms, who died yesterday.
Sergeant Harms had been stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years.
True Blue Line – an organisation that posts news stories and information about emergency services, with a focus on Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States, posted a tribute on Facebook today.
“Sergeant Owen Harms, with a big heart and full of compassion for everyone, was everyone’s friend and the Officer in Charge at Miriam Vale Police in Gladstone Police District, Queensland. Highly respected and much loved by many, he dedicated over 30 years of his life to protect, serve and improve the community he cherished so much,” the post reads.
There were no suspicious circumstances around his death, and it came 36 days after he had admitted drink-driving in the Gladstone Magistrates Court.
He was a decorated officer.
“In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Described as a true blue Aussie with a heart of gold, ‘Owey’ was also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community,’’ the True Blue post said.
“His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We all feel intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.’’
Others joined the tributes.
“You were there for every one of us… your door was always open for us to pop in and have a cuppa and chat… you never said a bad word about anyone! You knew how to make us laugh… you always gave a hug just when it was needed… you were so dearly loved by your beautiful family and the community in which you so proudly served!” – C.S.
“Your community is broken and lost tonight, this just doesn’t seem real. You were one of the best Owey. The support you’ve shown not only our family but your community over the years will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family tonight RIP Harmsey” – A.H.
“Step forward now, policeman,
“You’ve borne your burdens well.
“Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
“You’ve done your time in hell.
“Fallen in the line of duty. Gone, but never forgotten and forever in our hearts.”
The Miriam Vale Rodeo Association said he was a true hero to all that knew him.
“MV Rodeo Association wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to Owen’s beloved family and friends during this devastating time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,” they posted.
“Owey, you will be sorely missed mate!”
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett took to Facebook to post his own tribute.
“Terrible sad day for the Gladstone Region as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Owen Timothy Harms,” he wrote.
“No words can describe how great a man he was and how devastating this news is. Rest in peace my friend.”
The Miriam Vale Magpies Rugby League Club remembered Sgt Harms on Facebook.
“Owen, our community pillar, our hero, our mate!,” the post reads.
“Forever etched in our hearts and minds are the memories of this tremendous man! May you rest in eternal peace Owey. We love you and will miss you terribly.
“On behalf of the Maggies family we are all holding Lyn, Brendon and Bree very close in our hearts and thoughts at this devastating time. May you draw strength and courage from the outpouring of love and support.”
GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL – GENERAL MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2017
6 of 132
MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE
Owen Timothy Harms
Cr Trevor paid tribute to Owen Harms as follows:-
Owen Timothy Harms‘s funeral took place on 8 August 2017. It was a beautiful service for a beautiful man loved by all, now resting in peace. A community champion who selflessly put others before himself. A wonderful family man with an enormous generosity of spirit, he will be sadly missed and he was enormously proud of his family, his friends, his community and his Police Service.
As an active Police Officer he was proud of his nearly 34 years of service on the front line and all at 1, 2, 3 and 4 officer stations except 4 years at Mt Isa. Very long periods when Miriam Vale was a two officer station he spent alone without relief, on call 24/7, 80 kms of Bruce Highway in division often months at a time.
Executive Committee member for many and varied local committees including local ambulance committee, Police and Citizens Association, Lions Club, driving force behind the Gary Larsen Oval enhancement committee, responsible for building an entire Sports Complex from bare grass to a magnificent venue for use by Miriam Vale residents and support for youth, under privileged and the
elderly. Coach and manager of many junior sporting teams, foundation member of Miriam Vale Social Touch Football Association (which has lasted for 19 years and still going strong), providing a vital outlet for the town’s youth.
Recipient of the following:-
Australian Police Medal (APM)
All Police Medals
Two by Commissioner Certificates
Multiple Citizen of the Year Awards for various local government areas
Owen mentored many Senior Constables (nearly all who have been promoted) and also mentored budding Sergeants in Charge. He served long stints in the Northern Territory border at Bulleya, Burketown, Bungee, Birdsville and Mt Isa, many times alone.
Unfortunately he had a lengthy battle with various and serious health problems. His support of his community did not stop although he had these problems. He was a strong advocate for helping people with difficulties, raising funds to install a Chair Lift for disabled residents. Owen was a participant in a long running video campaign for assisting police officers with depression and anxiety issues and when successfully reliving in Senior Sergeant roles received glowing reports.
His high level of duty to the Police Service found him never receiving an Adverse Station Inspection Report and he never failed to help colleagues in difficulty at any time of the night. Owen never once refused a request for a call for service at any time of the day or night.
PHOTO: TOM HUNTLEYTRUE HERO: Family, friends and fellow officers are in shock after the death of Owen Harms.
THE community has paid tribute to Miriam Vale police officer Owen Harms, who died on Monday.
Sergeant Harms was stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years.
True Blue Line, an organisation that posts news and information about emergency services, posted a tribute on Facebook.
“Sergeant Owen Harms, with a big heart and full of compassion for everyone, was everyone’s friend and the Officer in Charge at Miriam Vale Police in Gladstone Police District, Queensland. Highly respected and much loved by many, he dedicated over 30 years of his life to protect, serve and improve the community he cherished so much,” the post read.
There were no suspicious circumstances around his death.
It came 36 days after he admitted in the Gladstone Magistrates Court drink-driving.
He was a decorated officer. Sgt Harms was also beloved in the sporting community, and played an instrumental role in combining the Agnes Water and Miriam Vale teams to form the Northern Force Rugby League Club.
This Sunday a minute of silence will be held when the Northern Force play Avondale before the team run out to Eye of the Tiger – “Owie’s favourite song”, president Kym McIntosh told the NewsMail.
“It’s rocked two clubs, rocked two communities. “It’s just so sad.”
“In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Described as a true blue Aussie with a heart of gold, ‘Owey’ was also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community,” the True Blue post said.
“His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We all feel intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.:” Others joined the tributes. “You were there for every one of us … your door was always open for us to pop in and have a cuppa and chat … you never said a bad word about anyone! You knew how to make us laugh… you always gave a hug just when it was needed … you were so dearly loved by your beautiful family and the community in which you so proudly served!” one wrote.
The Miriam Vale Rodeo Association and the Magpies Rugby League Club paid tribute to “a true hero”, while Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett took to Facebook to post his own tribute.
“Terrible sad day for the Gladstone region as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Owen Timothy Harms.
“No words can describe how great a man he was and how devastating this news is. Rest in peace my friend.” ■ If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
I sit here writing this still reeling from the tragic loss of Owen Harms. Any death in the police family is a death too many. Harmsy was a true CQ legend beloved by all who knew him. To Lynette and the rest of the Harms family, you have my deepest condolences We all have demons inside us and the black dog is ever creeping. We need to remain vigilant and look after one another. To all my family, friends, and colleagues, I am always here if you need someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to vent frustration on. No matter the circumstances or the situation, my door is always open. I am only a phone call away.
Never think that you are alone! Life and work can become overwhelming at times and the dreaded black dog creeps up on us all. We need to stand together and help each other through these tough times and look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
I ask you all to check on a mate and make time to talk to each other. It may be difficult, but that difficult conversation may save a life.
Remember, it’s not weak to speak.
DO OUR PEOPLE MATTER?
Recent events have made many question this. It’s time to take stock and for the Service to take a long hard look at how it treats its employees. There are many areas within the organisation that need fixing, starting with the disciplinary system.
We all know it is broken beyond repair and has been for some time. It needs an urgent overhaul to stop the rot that has been going on for far too long.
Members are being stood down and suspended and left hanging while investigations take far too long: some over three years.
Members are guilt until proven innocent! How is this natural justice?
There needs to be firm time limits put on internal investigations. Perhaps more staff can be allocated to the District PPMs to expedite these investigations.
The Service has an obligation to investigate these matters, resolve them in a timely manner, and not let them drag on … and on. These delays cause angst and anxiety to not only the member but also to their families. It also places unnecessary financial hardship on members and their families.
Rank: 1/ Constable 21 August 1972 to 28 January 1974 ( ComPol )
2/ Probationary Constable – appointed 29 January 1974 ( VicPol )
Senior Constable – appointed 14 June 1979
Sergeant – appointed 30 December 1982
Senior Sergeant – appointed 26 March 1989
Stations: Russell St ( 17 June 1974 ), Fitzroy ( 14 May 1975 ), Detective at Russell St, then City West and then Homicide Squad. CIB ( 14 March 1979 ), Broadmeadow, Avondale Hts ( 30 November 1983 ), City West ( 22 April 1987 – 1989 ), Altona North, Crime Courses Unit ( Detective Training School ) 20 February 1995 – Retirement
Service 1: ( ComPol ) From? ? 1972to28 January 1974=1 year 161 days years Service with ComPol
Service 2: ( VicPol ) From 29 January 1974to23 September 2000= 26+years Service
Total Policing Service: 28+ years Service
Awards: Nation Medal – granted 7 September 1990
Service Medal – 2nd Clasp – granted 1 September 1997
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 31 July 1999
Service Medal – 3rd Clasp – granted 1 September 1999
Victoria Police Star – granted 2006
1.75 shot whilst on night shift. 2.20am when with Det S/C Kim West – laneway at rear of Cremorne St IRM – 3 shots fired at chest/head height. (Awarded the Victoria Police Star in 2006) . Sick leave 24.1.75 to 11.3.75. Clerical duties in Property Office from 12.3.75 to Retention on 1.4.75.
Born: 3 July 1950 at Euroa Bush Nursing hospital
Died on: 11 September 2010
Age: 60
Cause: Suicide –
Event location: Home
Event date: 11 September 2010
Funeral date: 18 September 2010
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy Chapel
Buried at: Sunbury Lawn Cemetery, 80A Shields St, Sunbury, Victoria
Memorial:
Grave location:
-37.58941978049802 144.73147629682012
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]BOB is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
BOB CROXFORD – EULOGY – POLICE ACADEMY SATURDAY 18 SEP 2010
Thanks to Bob’s family for giving me the opportunity to speak about Bob today – privilege to be asked. Also pleased to have Nigel up here with me to act as my ‘wingman’ which he’s done many times before.
My aim is give you an overview of Bob’s professional life; his employment career. To do that I need to cover a 45 year period in the space of about 10/15 minutes. As a consequence I’ll be very brief but hopefully it will add to what you already know about his working life and perhaps fill some gaps.
If any of you have been to a trivia night, you may have taken part in a game they call ‘sit down if’. The way it’s run is that everybody stands up and the host asks a question. If the answer applies to you, you keep standing. If it doesn’t, you sit down. It goes on until there’s only one person standing. For example if everybody stood up now I could say something like ‘sit down if…you’ve eaten takeaway this week. If you had, you’d sit down and I’d keep finding things to ask to get people to sit down.
If we used that approach here today, I’d ask you to sit down each time I told you something about Bob’s life that you didn’t know about. …and then see how many people were left standing.
The reason I thought about it was that I found that Bob had such a diverse and extensive life – and that’s just from the employment perspective.
Let’s set the scene.
Born at the Bush Nursing hospital in Euroa. July 3rd, 1950
Full name was Robert Jeffrey Joseph
He attended Euroa State and High Schools.
Left at age 15 (Form 4) (or Year 10) in July/August 1965
How many people would be left standing?
Bob had four major occupations during his working life.
First Employment – Butchery
His first job – almost the day after he left school (July/Aug 65) was with Smith and Ryan (Butchers in Euroa). (Left when widowed mum moved to Wangaratta).
When mum moved the family to Wangaratta in April 70 he went to work for L & M.Goodwin (Butchers) Rowan St Wangaratta.
It was during this time Bob decided to pursue another career – policing – and in Aug 71 he first applied for VicPol – but fail to pass entrance exam. Education test – 65 errors (40 ‘general ability’.)
He decided instead to try for the Commonwealth Police and wrote on his application that he was leaving the butchery because he was “looking for a more interesting position”!
Second Employment – Commonwealth Police
He was successful and joined the Commonwealth Police in 1972 at the age of 22.
4 week training course – came 10th of 28.
He served as a uniform Constable 21.8.72 to 28.1.74 (1 yr 161 days)
Obviously, however, it wasn’t much more of ….”an interesting position…” as while with CommPol – applied to join VicPol after only 15 months. (Nov 73).
I noted that in his entrance exam for VicPol, this time made only 43 errors (31 in general ability’)
How many of you would still be standing now?
Third and longest Employment – Victoria Police
Joined (Sworn in) 29.1.74
5ft 8 ½ ins (174 cm) 11 stone 7 lb (73kg) – Jarrod Blair (77kg)
Blue Eyes; Brown Hair (!) – How many of you would be sitting down now?
Living in a flat in Brunswick Rd EBBR
Graduated 14.6.74 (Dux of 21 recruits – Squad 1/74)
90%. Sqd avg 84.2%
Registered Number 18267
Russell Street6.74
(Married 74)
1.75 shot whilst on night shift. 2.20am when with Det S/C Kim West – laneway at rear of Cremorne St IRM – 3 shots fired at chest/head height. (Awarded the Victoria Police Star in 2006) . Sick leave 24.1.75 to 11.3.75. Clerical duties in Property Office from 12.3.75 to Retention on 1.4.75.
2 serious operations. Lengthy scar. Grandfather died while in hospital
Passed retention 30.4.75
Fitzroy uniform 14.5.75
It was then I first met Bob – I was at Collingwood which shared a boundary with Fitzroy – between us we covered 70 pubs and would often be ‘backing each other up at brawls’.
It was also then that I first formed a personal relationship with him during the annual football match between Collingwood and Fitzroy Police at Victoria Park or the Brunswick Street Oval called the ‘Crusader Cup’. I’m pretty sure the winner was the team that consumed the most stubbies – during the game!
It was also at that time that I left a lasting impression on Bob – a facial scar – when during a social cricket game I balled a pathetic ball to him which he tried to smash out of the ground only to miss hit it and end up bloodied and sore. (And, typically of Bob – never brought it up again.)
Bob was a great copper. In the 5 yrs at Fitzroy he was officially commended 4 times.
……..for keen observation and zealous and intelligence follow-up action resulting in apprehension and conviction of an offender for motor vehicle theft and other offences. (12.1.76)
………for alertness, keen observation, prompt action, and dedication to duty resulting in the single-hand arrest and successful prosecution of a violent and troublesome offender for a number of serious offences. (3.7.76)
……….for observation, initiative and intelligent action which resulted in the detection of an active and dangerous criminal and the location of exhibits to support other criminal charges. (26.5.77)
……….for observation and attention to duty which led to the apprehension and conviction of three offenders charged with the possession of a large amount of money which they admitted was obtained from the sale of illicit drugs.5.2.79)
His Fitzroy uniform days set the scene for a successful career – initially becoming a detective – first at Russell Street and then at City West and then to the highly sought-after Homicide Squad, seen as one of the elite areas of the Force.
Joined CIB 14.3.79
Promoted to Sen Constable 14.6.79
CIB ARS and ACW 79-80
Jan-March 1980 – DTS Course 115
Homicide 80-82
I was fortunate to work with Bob at Homicide for 2 of those years. It was clear that he was well suited to the role as he was as thorough and meticulous as any person I’d met.
More importantly, it was then that I learnt of one of his most respected characteristics, his empathy and ability to relate to people. Bob was able to establish a rapport with people, a sincere rapport, better than anyone I’d seen. As Maureen could tell you, the family of homicide victims continued to stay in touch for many years, often sending Bob presents and birthday cards for a long time after he left the squad.
When he left Homicide two years later he took promotion to Sergeant in a Police Community Involvement program at Broadmeadows, then to Avondale Hts and back to a detective position at City West until he took promotion to Senior Sergeant at Altona North.
Promoted to Sgt 30.12.82 to Police Community Involvement Program VBC
Feb-April 1983 – Sub-Officers Course 101
Sgt at Avondale Hts 30.11.83
Oct-Nov 1986 – Advanced Detective training School No.27
CIB City West 22.4.87-89
Promoted to S/Sgt 26.3.89 as sub charge Altona Nth
NCA secondment (Sydney) 89
NCA Secondment (Melb) 89-91 – upgraded to Chief Inspector for lengthy periods. (NCA 25.7.88 to 7.4.91)
It was during these years that Bob was seconded to the National Crime Authority with secondments to Melbourne and to Sydney, and at one stage was upgraded to Chief Inspector – a major recognition of his ability, remembering he was a Senior Sergeant at that time.
S/Sgt O/C MAN 91-93
In 1991 Bob was appointed to the position of Senior Sergeant and in charge of the police station at Altona North. He quickly recognised the need to interact with the local community. In his file I found a letter from the Migrant Resource Centre for Westgate Region to CCP thanking Bob for presenting himself to elderly migrant groups and ..’managed through your simplistic approach to gain trust; and the elderly people are confident and feel comfortable with your presence. I thank you for this. I hope other police will adopt the same method and offer the same service as you have provided.
Royal NZ Police College – Inspectors Qualifying Course March – May 1993.
On Feb 20 1995 Bob transferred to his last potions – Detective Senior Sergeant at the Crime Courses Unit (Detective Training School) where he would remain until he retired from policing.
Bob relished the opportunity to lecture young investigators and to use his unique coaching and mentoring skills. In the 5 years at DTS he had a role in the development of 100’s of police members and representatives from various other organisations.
Again his ability was recognised through the promotion into an Acting Chief Inspector position. In (Aug 1999) a file note, his Supt said of Bob – “…adopts a common sense approach. He has demonstrated the mental courage to make hard decisions with appropriate consideration and balance for corporate, unit and individual needs. He is an extremely intelligent, responsible and dedicated member.”
DTS was a special part of Bob’s career and fitting place to close off his policing life. He was highly respected by the staff and I’m proud to use this moment to make an announcement. DTS hold four courses each year and one of the detectives on the course are selected as the Dux (for those unfamiliar with the term it’s spelt DUX!) and are presented with a special award. In addition, one of the four Dux of each year is selected to receive what you may call a Top Gun award…..the best of the best. I’m pleased to announce that from this year onwards, in commemoration of his life, The Dux of The Year award will be known as the Bob Croxford Award.
Bob retired 23.9. 2000 (soon after turning 50) as Detective Acting Chief Inspector after 26 yrs + 239 days service. (Sick leave credit of 384 days)
During that time he received numerous awards, including
The Victoria police Star
National medal 7.9.90
Service Medal Second Clasp 1.9.97
National Medal First Clasp 31.7.99
Service Medal 3rd Clasp 1.9.99
Last entry on his Record of Service described Bob as a loyal and dedicated member who gave consistent and reliable service to Victoria Police and the community.”
Australia Post
The fourth and final chapter in Bob’s career was with Australia Post. Someone had encouraged Bob to take a move and he started with Post as Victorian State Manager of the Corporate Security Group on September 25th 2000.
On November 1st 2004 both was promoted to a national Position in the group as the Manager of Security Operations. It was the last time I’d have the privilege of working with Bob.
In October 2008 he became the head of Corporate Security and was formally appointed to the position on 20 January 2010.
Bob applied his personality and character to people at post and quickly became respected and loved. He could relate to everyone from every part of the organisation and had the same respect for all, whether they were the CEO or the mail room assistant.
“Warmth, sense of humour and genuine care for others”
“A life most people would aspire to….”
“Good luck with your projects”
“a good friend and valued colleague”
When I asked people at Post what they thought of when they thought of Bob, this was some of their responses….
“Bloody Collingwood”
“Beautiful handwriting – a magnificent signature”
“Loved the Soprano’s” – (ironically, today being the birthday of James Gandolfini (who played Tony Soprano), someone whom I suspect Bob secretly aspired to be!
“Ice cream” – you could be in the flashest of restaurants yet Bob would order 3 scoops of vanilla ice-cream for dessert”.
Bob’s professional career was exemplary and will form the major basis for people’s memories of Bob.
It would be wrong though to forget his other work roles – those he did on a voluntary or honorary basis. Just as an example:
Merriwa Wangaratta Apex Club (early 70’s)
Sunbury Fire Brigade (Mgt Team – HR)
Kiwanis Club of Sunbury (Secretary 94/95)
Football League Umpires Assoc. VFL Reserves (69-77)
Vic Amateur Football Assoc. (78-80) Umpired GF 78 and 79
Apex Club Sunbury
Salesian College Team Mgr U16
Sunbury Fair Committee
Tribunal Member Sunbury Basketball Association
Riddell District Umpires Association (Boundary Umpire late 80’s/early 90’s and later as a goal umpire, Tribunal Convenor and Umpire Advisor)
Tennis Australia (Volunteer Driver at Aust. Open) 98-2000
Presenter at Australian institute of Public Safety.
Justice of the Peace
If we had played the Trivia Night ‘sit-down’ game, I’m confident none of us would still be standing.
Bob had lived a full life and along the way touched thousands of people, rewarding each of us with the experience of having known him.
Over his 60 year journey, I believe Bob had given a little of himself to every one he’d touched ……..and the well had now run dry.
Rest In Peace my friend.
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Anthony Joseph SECCULL
| 16/04/2018
Anthony Joseph SECCULL
aka Tony
late of Burrumbuttock, NSW
brother to former member Det. Pat Seccull 18112
New South Wales Police Force
Academy Class 260
Regd. # 29948
Rank: Sergeant – Retired
Stations: Waverley, Maroubra, Nyngan ( early 2000 ), Wagga Wagga ( returned to Uniform to Prosecutors upon his own request ), Albury as a Prosecutor – Retirement
possibly worked as a Prosecutor with DPP after retirement from NSWPF
Service: From? ? 1994to 2 February 2012 ( Medical Discharge )= 19 year Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 8 August 1975
Died on: Wednesday 1 February 2017
Age: 41
Cause: Suicide – firearm ( not a Police firearm )
Event date: Wednesday 1 February 2017
Funeral location: Burrumbuttock
Funeral date: Wednesday 15 February 2017 @ 11am
Funeral location: St Patricks Catholic Church, 515 Smollett St, Albury
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: Tony Seccull Award. Internal Award for Police Prosecutors – commenced in 2017
MISSED: Tony Seccull, pictured in November 2007 at Albury Police Station. He was working as a prosecutor at the time. He was so respected, an award will be named after him.
Parents Alice & Patrick Snr with Tony at his Attestation at Goulburn Academy
TONY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
It is believed that Tony, by all accounts a really great bloke and colleague to many Police, took his own life by firearm at his property at Burrumbuttock, NSW ( between Henty & Corowa ).
Tony was the youngest of 8 ( 7 boys and 1 girl ) and dearly loved by his family.
He was in Nyngan, GD’s early 2000’s, when he was called to a domestic dispute on a remote rural property. As he and his partner drove up the driveway, with the western sun behind them, the elderly farmer fired shots at the police vehicle with a high calibre rifle. They were pinned down for a time. When back up arrived, and the offender absconded, Tony was put on a road block, late in the night on his own! He told me that that situation ( he would have been in a serious state of shock ), had a very negative impact on him mentally…. he didn’t know where the shooter was!! When the offender was eventually arrested and interviewed – he made admissions to trying to shoot Tony – stating (I am told)…if the sun wasn’t in my eyes I would have got him. Tony saw the transcript. Attempted murder etc charges were not pursued (DPP decision) – discharge firearm recklessly type charges only. That really upset Tony, long term.
With great support from Lola Scott (unbelievable support), we were able to see Tony moved into Prosecuting. All went well for nearly 15years…. until one day at pistol re-accreditation in Albury, (I am told), he became upset and the demons surfaced. He was admitted into hospital – 8 weeks. Reluctantly, he lodged a HOD claim. He nominated me as his proxy/negotiator with NSW Police. That process was very challenging…for all involved. Thanks to great support from Frank Reitano, we were able to negotiate settlement. However, the impact of that battle with the insurance company – ongoing after his discharge (2/2/2012), was debilitating. I watched him struggle over the past 5 years. He told me towards the end, that he ‘just wished he could have been able to retire’. He was tired and exhausted. He now rests in peace.
18 years in the job – the job caused his seriously depressed state of health.
[blockquote]
I do not know this man, but make the following comment:
This is just a small insight into some of the events that Police generally have to deal with and very little thought is given to their overall health or state of mind, during or after such events.
People react differently to the same event. This, from my own experience, stems from their own personal upbringing, other life events, their own mental or coping capabilities, and how much mental effort they put into “the job”. Some see it as just a job, most see it as a career but most, if not all, put their heart and sole into “the job”. What effects one person does not necessarily affect another.
The fear of Police being “victimised” if they speak up about their lack of coping with a situation weights extremely heavy upon the shoulders of those police, for they love “the job” they are doing and don’t want to be removed from that job but hope they can push through their current situation and it will eventually “go away” with no-one noticing any difference in the person. Sometimes it does “go away” but most times, such as in Tony’s situation, it came back many years later at a re-accreditation pistol shoot, which, for this man, was the “trigger” that pushed him over the edge of his personal coping mechanism.
How many Police are still on the front line unaware that an unforeseen “trigger” is about to impact their life, their mental wellbeing?
How many former Police are unaware that an unforeseen “trigger” is about to impact their life, their mental wellbeing and how long is too long for this “trigger” to happen to someone? 5, 10, 20, 30 years after ” the job “? Has your “trigger” already happened?
There needs to be better support for Serving and Former Police ( not forgetting all the other Emergency Services too ).
Those suffering don’t need to feel the “carpet pulled from under them” = disappointment. They need to be understood, positively reassured and the process explained to them in terms they can understand, at that time, because no matter how strong you are ( mentally ), if you have the “carpet pulled from under” you and you can’t understand why, then you ARE going to fall because of your lack of understanding or seeing a positive outcome.
Those suffering from Depression / PTSD need to know that they are still “worthy” for here was a man, on the “front line” doing “the job” he loved who attended an event ( may very well have been more than just this event ) during his “career” only to be left to his own coping devices which were not enough for this man at that time.
Eventually, with the support of his Commander – Lola Scott, he found another niche’ within “the job” he loved or that suited him = and feeling “worthy” of ( prosecuting ); but even though this man was no longer on the “front line”, the demons of the 2002 event resurfaced years later – leaving the man depressed and being forced into a Medical Discharge instead of serving out his “career” and “retiring” at a mandatory age.
The man was 41 years old. He still had another 15 – 20 years of his “career” to look forward to. This was cut short due to one of the many events that Police attend and just to add insult to injury, for a man who dedicated himself to a job where you gather “facts”, present them, they are processed, dealt with and then finally an outcome – this man, like hundreds of other Police – was victimised and belittled by an insurance company trying to save money instead of looking after the man in a timely manner.
Instead of the insurance company following through and supporting those that they insure, they purposely delay the process to the extent that even career criminals don’t have to suffer through the Courts.
The insurance company harasses, intimidate and purposely delay their obligation to the victim.
They do this by surveillance, constantly sending the victim to various doctors ( doctor shopping ) hoping that one doctor will contradict another, asking for various reports ( that have already been done and submitted ) and various other ploys over years in the hope that the victim will finally decide that the process far outweighs the benefit and that the victim will withdraw their claim.
ALL of this has a detrimental effect upon the victim who already feels “worthless”.
Insurance companies and the Police Force ( as an organisation ) need to “lift their game” and ensure that these men and women are treated with the Commitment, Value and Loyalty that they, as Police, gave to our country over so many years.
This man, Tony SECCULL, like so many before him and ( no doubt at this time ) so many after him, should have lived a long, happy life in their community, with their family and friends. He should have died with distinction, of old age, not from fear or persecution leading to depression.
This man deserves his name to be etched in the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance – for he didn’t die instantly at the hand of a criminal but died over many years from two institutions that didn’t look after the man.
He should have been resting in life but May he now and Forever – Rest In Peace.
The next award has been recently instituted by the Seccull family in loving memory of former police prosecutor Tony Seccull, who after an 19 year career, tragically took his own life on the 1st February 2017.
Tony was a proud, diligent and committed police officer who joined in 1994. The last 12 years of his career he battled daily with unresolved stress and horrors which had accumulated from a number of traumatic incidents he attended. However, despite this, he went on to become a highly regarded senior prosecutor with 12 years experience, who gained promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
The Seccull family are committed to ensure that positive initiatives arise from his tragic and devastating loss. In Tony’s memory, the family wishes to raise and maintain awareness of the need for each one of us, to be vigilant and be prepared to take steps when a fellow worker appears to be in need of help or support to deal with the challenges of life
Late policeman’s brother vows to help those struggling
BLAIR THOMSON
THE BROTHER of an Albury policeman who took his own life after a battle with post traumatic stress disorder is helping others in the force who are struggling.
Tony Seccull, 41, followed in the footsteps of his older brother Patrick ( # 18112 ) when he joined NSW Police as a young man.
The father of one lost his battle at his Burrumbuttock property on February 1, leaving a gap in his large family that will always be there.
Patrick, who has also worked as an Albury policeman and has had his own fight with the disorder, said his brother died about five years to the day after his discharge from the force.
By the end of his service, Tony was worn out and just wanted to retire without the grinding stress caused by the police insurance company.
MESSAGE: Patrick Seccull says those battling PTSD should know that there is help out there, and that life can be good despite how bad things can get fighting the illness.
The actions of the police insurer when Tony filed a hurt on duty claim and decided to leave the force were “pretty terrible”, according to his brother.
“He struggled with the pressures, particularly those imposed on him by the police insurance company,” he said.
“The insurance company kept pushing.
“That’s a common theme.”
Despite trying to help, Patrick feels somewhat responsible at the fact the 41-year-old followed his career path.
Tony was one of eight children and grew up in a hard-working family in Mulwala.
“He was 17 years younger than me … he was three years old when I joined the police,” he said
MISSED: Tony Seccull, pictured in November 2007 at Albury Police Station. He was working as a prosecutor at the time. He was so respected, an award will be named after him.
“As a result, all he ever wanted to do was be a police officer.
“He was such a caring, passionate and loving person.
“I think he probably internalised a lot of his work.
“The emergency services are a very, very tough gig and the people who are sensitive, and internalise, are often the ones who can fall foul of this disease.”
Mr Seccull links his brother’s PTSD to an incident early in his career, the full impact of which didn’t surface until a firearms training course on the Border sometime around 2010.
Tony had been stationed at Nyngan in central NSW in the early 2000s and like many times before, he was called to a domestic dispute.
But it was no ordinary call out, with a farmer firing shots from a high-powered rifle at Tony and his partner, leaving them pinned down.
The memory of the incident – coupled with other dangerous and horrific experiences – resurfaced at the shooting range all those years later and resulted in flashbacks, a mental breakdown and eight weeks of intensive therapy in hospital.
Patrick said the police force has some made positive steps towards helping officers suffering as a result of their work.
When he was an officer from the 1970s to 1990s, the advice was usually for members to have a drink and “harden up”, which was changing.
Patrick said often the first sign of trouble was when someone suffering isolated themselves from loved ones.
He noticed that in his brother.
When he died, Patrick vowed to help others.
There are no concrete statistics on the number of Border emergency service personnel who have taken their own lives, but The Border Mail is aware of three current or former Albury police members dying by suicide since late-2012.
While police feature prominently in suicide statistics, paramedics and firefighters, particularly men aged 30 to 49, also die in high numbers.
A National Coronial Information System report found 110 emergency workers took their own lives from July 2000 to the end of 2012.
An Albury officer who was recently medically discharged from the force after about 15 years of service said his life had fallen apart after a fatal incident.
The officer – who knew Mr Seccull and said he was a “top bloke” – said it was important to raise awareness of PTSD and its impact.
He has battled to rebuild his life and said there had been no support from NSW Police.
“Ultimately I lost my family life, health, friends, house and career due to PTSD resulting from this incident,” he said.
“I’ve paid an enormous price for just doing my job.
“Now in the wash up I don’t even have the job anymore.
“The thing is when you are in the grips of PTSD you don’t care about the risks or consequences of your behaviour, so things fall apart very quickly and because people don’t understand why you’re acting the way you are, you lose important relationships and support.”
Patrick stressed the importance of officers seeking help.
While the Reconnect program can help serving officers, groups like Backup for Life and beyondblue can assist those out of the force.
Albury SuperintendentEvan Quarmby said support for officers was improving.
“There are lots of options open to police to get help for themselves and for the NSW police force to provide support,” he said.
“I think there’s certainly been an improvement in the way we identify and acknowledge these traumatic events.
“We take the welfare and the support of serving police very seriously.
“We are constantly looking for ways to help them with the difficult things that they’re exposed to and have to see in the course of their duties.”
Patrick joined Reconnect immediately after Tony died in a bid to make a positive out of the tragedy.
“The message is don’t suffer in silence,” he said.
“You’ve got support around you.
“Don’t isolate – that’s the biggest indicator for the family, when someone starts to isolate.
“I saw Tony isolate more and more.”
He believes his brother, who was married and had a young daughter who were supportive of him, mistakenly believed his actions would stop the “burden” he was placing on those around him.
“That perception was so wrong,” Patrick said.
“We, as a family, would like to make people who suffer this condition very aware that you’re not a burden to your family.”
The former Albury prosecutor is missed by many.
A perpetual award in the prosecutions division will carry his name.
“Part of me has gone,” Patrick said.
“He was my little brother, my littlest brother and we were very close.
“We were very, very close and I feel in some ways responsible, because he looked up to me and followed me into an occupation.
“I’ve got to live with that for the rest of my life.”
Despite his own struggles, Patrick can still see the positives.
“I want to make it very clear that life can be good, and life is good if we get the right support, no matter how bad the illness is” he said.
Those seeking help or information can contact Lifeline on 131 114.
Never knew his GD rank, only knew him for about 10 years as a prosecutor for the DPP.
We became family friends, shared home time & visits, dinners, drinks, the usual.
Saw him weekly when we operated the Cowra Crest Motel in Cowra NSW during the period 2000 – 1010, when he was a part of the judiciary court circuit servicing that area, and they all stayed with us.
So we were his hosts regularly and a friendship grew.
Tony has been very well and accurately described by others.
To us he was dedicated to his job and his family, taking full responsibility for both.
He was very professional and respected in all areas of social and work life.
Tony was a humble and talented man, hard working, diligent, caring and easy to like and respect.
While a Prosecutor, he requested and returned to GD in uniform in Wagga Wagga for a period in an effort to heal himself.
Unfortunately, he suffered severely with his breakdown, which was medically well documented and beyond doubt, but despite that he was then slowly crucified by the Police Service’s insurance system, which seemed to be designed to weed out malingerers while showing a total disregard for causing subsequent damage to the wellbeing of the genuinely sick or wounded, double victim.
Being the responsible person he was, that he suicided is testament to the damage and injury he suffered, and the inherent dangers of depression.
Long suffering casualties like Tony are no less deserving of the full support and respect of the Police Service as extended to those shot on the job.
Sincerely
Tony Neale
Tony & Lynn Neale
Best Western Ambassador Motor Inn & Apartments,
313 Edward St,
Wagga Wagga. 2650
Phone: (02) 6925 7722
Anthony (Tony) Seccull
(8 Aug 1975 – 1 Feb 2017)
SECCULL – Anthony
‘Tony’
Dearly loved husband of Shantel. Loved Dad of Ella. Cherished son of Pat and Alicia.
Treasured brother of Patrick, Ann, David, Graham, Bernard (Dec), Philip and Paul.
Loved son in law of Rex and Alma
Forever In Our Hearts
Funeral Prayers for the late Anthony ‘Tony’ Seccull will be offered at St Patricks Catholic Church, 515 Smollett Street, Albury at 11am on Wednesday, February 15, 2017.
Thereafter a private cremation.
Lorrae Kovacswrote
Words cannot express to Shantel, Ella and family the heartfelt pain you must be going through over the loss of Tony. He was such an unassuming, intelligent and humorous gentleman…a guy who both my husband and I enjoyed working with in the NSW Police Force.
Tony often spoke proudly of his beautiful Ella at work and she was certainly his life.
Know Ella, your Daddy now watches over you as your special Angel, as I know he wouldn’t have it any other way…
our hearts go out to you Shantel, Ella and family…
please know Tony’s friends are here for you and we are also feeling his loss greatly…
Lorrae, Paul and Nylah Kovacs
SECCULL Anthony ‘Tony’
Dearly loved husband of Shantel.
Loved Dad of Ella.
Cherished son of Pat and Alicia.
Treasured brother of Patrick, Ann, David, Graham, Bernard (Dec), Philip and Paul.
Loved son-in-law of Rex and Alma.
‘Forever In Our Heart’
February 12, 2017
To Shantel and Ella,
Shock and sadnesses for your loss. Tragic
Unfortunately we will be away from Albury on Wednesday 15th but will be thinking of you all.
Kate and Paul Stares.
February 11, 2017
SECCULL Tony
To Shantel and Ella; Pat and Alicia; Ann and Peter; and all the Seccull families, our thoughts and love go out to you all at this very sad time. –
Frank, Anne and family.
February 15, 2017
Seccull Tony Our condolences to Shantel and Ella.
Tony you were our colleague and our friend, you will be dearly missed. Gone too soon. Rest in Peace.
Glenn, Andrea and all at Australian SMSF Solutions.
February 11, 2017
SECCULL Tony
Our condolences to Shantel and Ella.
Tony you were a cherished mate who will be missed forever.
A GIRL’S pet horse has died after a horrific attack near Lake Hume.
Wodonga Police are hunting for those who fatally maimed Raghtoo, a recent present for 10-year-old Ella Seccull.
The girl’s father, retired Albury police officer Tony Seccull, said it was the worst thing he had seen done to an animal in 17 years of policing.
He offered a $2000 reward for information that leads to fruitful evidence in the case.
Police released this footage of Raghtoo.
Ella Seccull with Raghtoo.
Ella Seccull, 10, holds a picture of her with Raghtoo. Picture: TARA ASHWORTH
Man is charged, appears in court
NORTH Albury man Adam Gilbert Jolly was arrested by police in an early morning raid at his residence yesterday and subsequently charged with four offences relating to a girl’s alleged abduction at Wagga.
The six-year-old girl was allegedly abducted about 11.30am on February 14 and there have been extensive investigations by police since.
Strike Force Shell, comprising police from Wagga and the state’s Sex Crimes Squad, has been involved in the ongoing investigation which culminated in Jolly’s arrest soon after 8am yesterday.
Jolly, 28, appeared in Albury Local Court yesterday afternoon on charges of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 in circumstances of aggravation, assault with intent to have sexual intercourse in circumstances of aggravation, kidnapping and inflicting actual bodily harm and aggravated indecent assault. He was also charged with possessing a prohibited weapon of handcuffs which were found at his home.
Duty solicitor Chris Halburd said there was no application for bail and he sought an adjournment of the charges to Wagga Local Court next Monday.
No facts relating to the accusations against Jolly were tendered in court and his parents sat in the back of the court. Three Corrective Services officers were present in court for Jolly’s short appearance and he was remanded in custody by magistrate Gordon Lerve.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Tony Seccull sought a suppression order for the protection of the alleged victim. But Mr Lerve said legislation prevents the identification of sex assault victims. Mr Lerve asked whether Jolly sought an order to be held in protection, but Mr Halburd said he had no instructions regarding that. “I assume the authorities will take the appropriate action,” Mr Halburd said.
The girl was playing in her front yard when she was allegedly abducted on February 14. A man tucked her under his arm before bundling her into the back seat of a utility. Almost two hours later the girl was returned after the attacker dumped her in a nearby street.
Police initially identified a white Toyota Hilux utility as possibly being used in the abduction and the following weekend put a similar vehicle on display at the Wagga Marketplace in the hope of getting leads.
Police said they were led to Jolly after discovering a white Holden Colorado, a vehicle similar to the description of the car used in the abduction. It will be alleged the man lived in Wren Street, Mount Austin, at the time of the alleged attack.– The Border Mail
A MAN who exposed his penis to a young woman in the Albury library last year faces sentence next week after pleading guilty to a charge of committing an indecent act.
Magistrate Geoff Hiatt has ordered a short-form pre-sentence report on Maurice Vagg after a belated guilty plea in Albury Local Court yesterday with the victim giving evidence about the circumstances of what happened.
Police prosecutor Sgt Tony Seccull said the offence by Vagg was at the high end of the scale.
Sgt Seccull said people should be able to go about their business in public without being subjected to such behaviour.
Vagg, 45, of Albury, pleaded not guilty to charges of committing an act of indecency and wilful and obscene exposure on October 19 last year.
When police spoke to him about the incident, Vagg admitted being at the library, but said: “I had a hernia protruding out. It comes up and I was just trying to push it down”.
Mr Hiatt yesterday heard evidence from police and the statements of three other witnesses were tendered before the victim gave evidence.
The victim, who turned 18 last year, attended the library about 11.30am on October 19 and sat at a table.
Vagg sat close to her and she moved a little, saying: “He was a bit close. I thought I might be in the way”.
He started reading a paper, began mumbling something and turned towards the woman.
The victim said she could see the top of his penis and he had both hands around it.
She said she “freaked out” and turned away after seeing him exposed for three or four seconds.
She grabbed her phone and walked quickly to the librarian’s desk and advised what had happened.
Vagg stood up and walked quickly out of the library, but police later obtained closed circuit footage from staff.
Solicitor Terrence O’Riain sought an adjournment to discuss the case with Vagg after the victim gave evidence.
Mr O’Riain a short time later advised that Vagg would plead guilty to committing an act of indecency.
Mr Hiatt said an options pre-sentence report considering community service and periodic detention would be
sought and sentencing was adjourned until next Tuesday.
Martin Errol Price, 38, was refused bail at Albury Court yesterday after his arrest at Centro Lavington ended a dramatic chase — on foot and behind the wheel — in the crowded shopping precinct and on nearby residential streets.
Assistant court registrar Yvette Robertson was told patrolling police had seen Price in North Albury just before 3.30pm, driving a gold Mitsubishi Magna which they believed was stolen from Canberra.
The officers signalled for Price to pull over, but he accelerated away from them on Resolution Street and a pursuit ensued.
Price reached speeds of 90kmh in a 50kmh zone on Union Road, before police called off the pursuit when he ran a red light at the intersection of Urana and Sanders roads.
Soon after, another officer saw Price driving down Griffith Road, where he collided with another car, the court was told.
Police claim Price continued driving after the crash, which forced the Mitsubishi’s bonnet up, into the Centro Lavington car park.
On the upper level, Price grabbed a black backpack and ran from his car into the shopping centre, where he was chased by police.
An officer yelled for Price to stop when he was near Big W.
The court was told Price turned around and said, “Don’t come near me or I’ll stab you”.
He kept running and was arrested outside the centre.
A police search found he was carrying a Leatherman containing a knife.
A search of the car found a receipt for the vehicle for $400, which Price had paid in Canberra in June.
The number plates had allegedly been reported stolen by an ACT man in the same month.
Defence solicitor Andrea MacDonald said her client had moved to Albury six weeks ago to be closer to his daughter in Wagga.
Ms MacDonald said he had been undergoing counselling for drug and alcohol problems and had recently found work.
Police prosecutor Sgt Tony Seccull opposed bail, saying Price had a lengthy criminal record and was likely to be jailed if convicted of the fresh charges, which include assault police without actual bodily harm, custody of a knife in a public place, negligent driving, not giving particulars to other driver or police, displaying unauthorised number plates, using an uninsured and unregistered motor vehicle, unlicensed driving, driving in a dangerous manner, and dealing with the suspected proceeds of crime.
Price was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear before a magistrate today.
Service: From? ? 2008? to 27 February 2017= 9? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 20 January 1978 in Scotland
Died on: Monday 27 February 2017
Age: 39
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Funeral date: Friday 10 March 2017 @ 9am
Funeral location: Western Australia Police Academy, 81 Lakeside Dr, Joondalup, W.A.
Buried at: Private Family Cremation will be held at the PINNAROO West Chapel, Whitfords Ave, Padbury at 12 noon
Memorial at: ?
LISA is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE.
LISA is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO ( Still doesn’t appear on the National Police Wall of Remembrance as of 25 August 2022 )
Lisa with her 11 year old son.
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
CANNON (Lisa Ann):
The Commissioner of Police and all members of the Western Australia Police regret the passing of our colleague, Lisa Cannon Registered Number 13557. Deepest sympathy to all her loved ones.
Published in The West Australian on Mar. 8, 2017
– See more at: http://www.westannouncements.com.au/obituaries/thewest-au/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=184391916#sthash.5kJZS2XC.dpuf
CANNON:
WA POLICE UNION Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late serving member Lisa Ann CANNON 13557 at the WA Police Academy Chapel on FRIDAY (10.03.2017) at 9.00am.
Published in The West Australian on Mar. 9, 2017
– See more at: http://www.westannouncements.com.au/obituaries/thewest-au/obituary.aspx?n=lisa-cannon&pid=184404770&fhid=14419&eid=sp_ommatch&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.NnbTpEbE.dpuf
CANNON:
The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of Lisa Ann Cannon of Butler will be held at the Western Australian Police Academy Chapel, Lakeside Dr Joondalup on FRIDAY (10.03.2017) commencing at 9am.A Private Family Cremation will be held at the PINNAROO West Chapel, Whitfords Ave, Padbury at 12 noon.
WANGARA 9409 9119
– See more at: http://www.westannouncements.com.au/obituaries/thewest-au/obituary.aspx?n=lisa-cannon&pid=184391902&fhid=14419&eid=sp_ommatch&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.BFxt03wR.dpuf
We recently lost a friend and colleague to suicide because of PTSD. She left her son and partner behind because she did not get the help she required. We owe it to her 11 year old son and for all the other partners, children and family members left behind by the officers who can see no Light at the end of the tunnel except by ending their lives. It has to STOP.
For too long, management of Australian Police Forces have silently accepted horrifically high suicide rates amongst our troops – Disproportionately higher than the Australian population.
We demand a national Coronial enquiry, seeking answers in a State by State basis. We want to learn what are the primary stressors amongst our Police, what is/can be done to minimise this, and greater support services for our Police.
“F*** You SA Police” – this was the last social media post of a SA cop who tragically took his own life just days ago.
“Suicide and bullying are rife within the police force. I’ve served as a cop in SA for 11 years now – I’ve battled first hand the toxic “suck it up princess” internal culture. It’s destroying, and costing lives.”
“I’m proud of my job, for keeping our communities safe from crime. We lock up murderers, protect domestic violence victims, and remove kids from horrific abuse. But what I’m sick of is the bureaucratic crap, intimidation and abuse of power that goes on internally.”
“Stop sweeping the fact police are killing themselves under the carpet. This is too important. My colleagues are dying around me. For too long now, management of Australian Police Forces have silently, knowingly, accepted horrifically high suicide rates amongst our troops – disproportionately higher than the Aussie population.”
I am starting this petition on behalf of myself and colleagues who are seeking an enquiry into the cause of suicides by Police in each Australian State.
We need to learn what the primary stressors are among our Police to then decide how to minimise more tragic deaths from happening.
The ‘Thin Blue Line’ is getting thinner – Please help protect those who protect our community by signing and sharing our petition.
This petition will be delivered to:
Australian State Coroners
Federal Minister for Justice
Michael Keenan MP
SA Minister for Police
Peter Malinauskas MLP
Qld Minister for Police
Mark Ryan MP
NSW Minister for Police
Troy Grant MP
Vic Minister for Police
Lisa Neville MP
ACT Minister for Police
Mick Gentleman MLA
Tas Minister for Police
Rene Hidding MP
NT Minister for Police
Michael Gunner MLA
Minister for Police; Road Safety; Training and Workforce Development; Women’s Interests Hon. Liza Harvey MLA
Police Officers everywhere, both past and present, are inevitably bound by a common bond. This linkage, this manacle or shackle… this incredibly wonderful thing that ties us all together, is forged in both adversity and success. It manifests itself in both tragedy and triumph, in sadness and elation.
At the commencement of every shift, our goal is to ultimately make it home at the end of the day. To collectively ensure that our colleagues do the same. In achieving this, we go a long way towards providing the comfort and protection that communities around the world so desperately need.
Since the dawn of time, Police Officers everywhere have rested soundly in the knowledge that should some tragedy befall them, their loved ones will forever be looked after. That the bond with their colleagues, forged with blood, sweat and no shortage of tears will in part be passed onto those left behind.
And so it is in this case.
On 27 February 2017, Senior Constable Lisa Cannon of the Western Australian Police sadly left this world, leaving behind a son, Adam.
We are certain that Adam has been surrounded by love… that he is in no doubt that his mother loved him with her entire heart.
As he grows into a man though, it is vitally important that he is made aware of just how highly his mother was regarded on both sides of the world. As Adam’s Police family, our small part in this is to pass on this legacy.
Please assist us in our endeavours to raise as much money as we can for Adam if only to reinforce to him during this journey that he is not alone in his grief, that Lisa’s extended blue family walks beside him every step of the way.
The funeral for Brevet Sergeant Ashley Meek, South Australia Police will be held at 10.00am on Wednesday 15 March 2017 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road Para Vista S.A. and then at Kibby Gardens, Enfield Memorial Park, Browning Street Clearview for a committal service.
Ashley was a decorated veteran, serving proudly with the Royal Australian Army in both East Timor and Iraq, as well as faithfully serving the people of South Australia.
Despite the incredible outpouring of grief following Ashley’s death, what is abundantly clear is that Ashley was dearly loved by all his family and friends. Described as a champion bloke, we intend remembering Ashley the way that he lived, as a true hero.
Rest easy blue brother… your work here is done.
MEEK, Ashley.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Grant Stevens, on behalf of all members of the South Australia Police, extends his deepest sympathy and condolences to Ashley’s family, friends and colleagues. Brevet Sergeant Ashley Meek will be sadly missed throughout SAPOL.
This is Ashley Meek. Late last night in rural Australia Ashley took his own life. He was the 6th recorded veteran of the last wars on foreign soil to have taken their own life in 2017. Last year 75 Australian veterans took their own lives.
For the last five years, ever since I was taken under the wing of the Australian Defence Force and toured through the war in Afghanistan I have heard one veteran after another, from every tier of Defence, from every part of Australia tell me how difficult receiving help is for them. It is not new news that The Department of Veteran’s Affairs or DVA is a cumbersome and hopelessly ineffective bureaucracy. Young men and women who had served many tours of Afghanistan quietly called them the DVE to me, or Department of Veteran’s Enemies.
For too many years the DVA only counted suicides amongst enrolled Defence Force members as suicides associated with service. The young man I met who was homeless in Sydney last year after serving 5 tours of Afghanistan would not have been counted because he had been discharged in 2012 with PTSD. If Defence had discharged you for psychological illness and you suicided, then your death was not associated officially with your deployment. It was cruel, misleading and wrong.
Now the DVA is pushing for veterans to be administered as welfare recipients under the community services portfolio. I was sitting at my computer last night trying to get my head around what the changes would mean for some of my young friends who suffer from PTSD after their service in Afghanistan. At the same time I was pondering the Legislative Amendment before Parliament Ashley Meek took his own life. DVA is closing the services that they have offered veterans ever since the Vietnam War. Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) offices around Australia have been steadily closing down. Instead of those services veterans will have no option but Centrelink.
Next time a Prime Minister commits tens of thousands of young Australians to war on the other side of the planet I hope that that same Prime Minister assures those young souls that they will be respected, supported and cared for when they return, and that no expense will be spared in their recovery. Otherwise, do not commit our youth to war..
A South Australia police officer posted “F*** you SA Police” on his Facebook before walking into a local hospital and taking his life in front of medical staff last night.
The man reportedly drove to Cowell, about a 500km drive west of Adelaide, before entering the District Hospital around 9.45pm, news.com.au reported.
It is not known if the officer was on or off duty at the time of his death.
A brief statement issued by SA Police said authorities were “preparing a report for the coroner following the death of a man at Cowell on March 5”.
“No other persons are being sought at this time,” the statement read.
A South Australia Police spokesperson told news.com.au they had “nothing further to add”.
Cowell District Hospital has been contacted for comment.
One of the police officer’s colleagues, who asked to remain anonymous, said the man “posted (a) ‘f*** you‘ msg (sic) to SAPOL” on Facebook moments before he died
“The messages said F*** SAPOL and some other comments,” the source said.
The man, who news.com.au has chosen not to identify, has been described on social media as “a well respected officer, and former ADF member, who will be missed by many”.
“This bloke was and will forever remain a dead set legend,” another person wrote.
“No one saw it coming. We got the watch now brother.”
“We are all better people having known you,” another said.
The reports prompted several state police officers to also come forward and highlight that a lack of welfare support for work-related mental health issues including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was also a problem in state policing.
“South Australia has just seen one of their officers (take her own life),” one police officer told news.com.au.
We recently lost a friend and colleague to suicide because of PTSD. She left her son and partner behind because she did not get the help she required. We owe it to her 11 year old son and for all the other partners, children and family members left behind by the officers who can see no Light at the end of the tunnel except by ending their lives. It has to STOP.
For too long, management of Australian Police Forces have silently accepted horrifically high suicide rates amongst our troops – Disproportionately higher than the Australian population.
We demand a national Coronial enquiry, seeking answers in a State by State basis. We want to learn what are the primary stressors amongst our Police, what is/can be done to minimise this, and greater support services for our Police.
“F*** You SA Police” – this was the last social media post of a SA cop who tragically took his own life just days ago.
“Suicide and bullying are rife within the police force. I’ve served as a cop in SA for 11 years now – I’ve battled first hand the toxic “suck it up princess” internal culture. It’s destroying, and costing lives.”
“I’m proud of my job, for keeping our communities safe from crime. We lock up murderers, protect domestic violence victims, and remove kids from horrific abuse. But what I’m sick of is the bureaucratic crap, intimidation and abuse of power that goes on internally.”
“Stop sweeping the fact police are killing themselves under the carpet. This is too important. My colleagues are dying around me. For too long now, management of Australian Police Forces have silently, knowingly, accepted horrifically high suicide rates amongst our troops – disproportionately higher than the Aussie population.”
I am starting this petition on behalf of myself and colleagues who are seeking an enquiry into the cause of suicides by Police in each Australian State.
We need to learn what the primary stressors are among our Police to then decide how to minimise more tragic deaths from happening.
The ‘Thin Blue Line’ is getting thinner – Please help protect those who protect our community by signing and sharing our petition.
This petition will be delivered to:
Australian State Coroners
Federal Minister for Justice
Michael Keenan MP
SA Minister for Police
Peter Malinauskas MLP
Qld Minister for Police
Mark Ryan MP
NSW Minister for Police
Troy Grant MP
Vic Minister for Police
Lisa Neville MP
ACT Minister for Police
Mick Gentleman MLA
Tas Minister for Police
Rene Hidding MP
NT Minister for Police
Michael Gunner MLA
Minister for Police; Road Safety; Training and Workforce Development; Women’s Interests Hon. Liza Harvey MLA
MARCHING in the French National Day Parade and Western Front commemorative services, Sergeant Ashley Meek honoured fourth-generation cousin – and Gawler soldier – Lance Corporal Stewart Grigg last Thursday.
Sgt Meek, who has strong family connections in the Gawler area, serves in the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment, and recently embarked on a month-long trip, joining the army contingent for the French National Day Parade.
“The experience was extra special due to having a family history and connection within my unit to the battles in France,” Sgt Meek said.
“Getting to escort the colours, which my family fought for, was the icing on the cake.”
Gawler-born L.Cpl Stewart Grigg was enlisted in the 27th Battalion on February 4, 1915, and was awarded three medals for his service – the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and a Victory Medal.
He served in Egypt, Gallipoli and the Western Front, where he was killed in action during the battle of Agincourt on March 26, 1917.
“Although his remains are yet to be found, his memorial is located at Villers-Bretonneux in France and I intend to visit this site one day,” Sgt Meek said.
He said the trip was a chance to pay his last respects to the late L.Cpl Grigg.
During the Western Front commemorations, he was part of the firing party during the reburial ceremonies.
“It is a very big honour to have been selected as part of the army contingent for French National Day Parade, and, in particular, to go to the Western Front and participate in the commemorative events taking place there,” he said.
In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Nice, France, Sgt Meek said Australian troops remained “positive”.
“We are here to do a job and pay respect to our forefathers, but France, as a whole, is quite vigilant,” he said.
“The hospitality of the French people and the army has been great.”
Sgt Meek will return home later this month.
150 at Lock Dawn Service
IN sombre silence, more than 150 people gathered in the cold pre-dawn to commemorate Anzac Day at Lock.
After an Anzac Day introduction by Neil Cummins, Noel Siviour shared three short extracts from the 2/48th Battalion records.
Noel’s father, Lindsay Siviour, was in the 2/48th Battalion.
National serviceman Richard Cummins spoke of the charge of the Light Horsemen at Beersheba. His wife’s grandfather, Cliff Cabot, was in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment that served in Palestine.
Local Lone Scout Kendall Meyers beautifully recited the poem For the Fallen.
Mark Siviour, who served in East Timor and the Solomon Islands, spoke of Thomas Currie Derrick, known as Diver Derrick, who received the Victoria Cross for his assault at Sattelburg, New Guinea in 1943.
Brevet Sergeant Ashley Meek shared Ben Roberts-Smith’s heroism in Afghanistan during 2010 for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Ashley Meek also read out the Ode of Remembrance, which was followed by the haunting bugling of Doug Monks’ Last Post.
There was one minute of silence and then as Reveille was played, Brevet Sergeant James McFarlane raised the flag.
Reverend Sue Ellis of the Lock Uniting Church led the gathering with the Lord’s Prayer.
Before she read the Soldier’s Prayer, she spoke of Martin Andrews, a former priest, who was a stretcher-bearer for the Medical Corps.
Councillor Malcolm Hancock laid a wreath on behalf of the Elliston District Council.
Lone Scouts, Australian military, CWA and family members also laid wreaths and flowers in remembrance of the fallen and the ceremony closed with prayer and the benediction by reverend Sue Ellis.
LADS (Lock and Districts Services) president Wayne Hodge thanked all for attending and then the club provided a cooked breakfast for all.
Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Mick Isles signed on duty on the morning of Wednesday 23 September 2009, went to work in uniform and has never signed off. We are awaiting response from Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart to adding Senior Sergeant Mick Isles to the Police Honours Roll and officially acknowledging his (Mick’s) signing off. How can that be unreasonable?
2 Jan 2017 – Isles to Queensland Police Commissioner: addressing criteria under Queensland Police Honour Roll Policy, responding to AC O’Regan correspondence
A trait of my father’s, an honourable trait through his commitment, belief and passion in people was more-or-less to always look for the good in people, even when I was a child and assaulted by an adult, my father convinced me to look for the good in the assailant, as there was obviously greater reason to why he was like that, an upbringing or similar. I found myself doing precisely that eventually, after the anger had moved on, I looked to for the good in this individual and many years later made peace in speaking with him and seeing that he had grown and changed and was no longer the same person.
As life has progressed even with some of the trials, especially more recently, I have found myself retreating a little over the last couple of years and trying to remove myself from stressful situations.
I guess, now I am finding there needs to be some happy medium and in an ideal world, my father’s trait would be admirable however in a world where many through generations have strayed from strong morals and treating your neighbour as you, yourself, would like to be treated.
For me both physically and mentally, I have softened over recent years in my zest, interest and drive for life. This in part has seen me too readily trust in individuals and some have resulted in individuals using the apparent lack of energy and zest as an avenue to access a perceived vulnerability and to take advantage.
For mine, in approaching 2017, simply applying much of life experience and the honourable person my father was, I can only aim to regain touch with the inner mongrel I had to find to navigate some of the situations that were thrown my and my family’s way.
This coming year, in order the finalize some matters close to my heart that have come so far, I will dance with the devil while maintaining strong morals however only extend a hand of trust, respect or offer of friendship where it is over time earned.
May those close and many that have shared some of this journey with me be able to toast achievements even beyond boundaries that have been set by individuals and bureaucracy.
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29 Dec2016 – Isles to Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers
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Daily Mail Australia
‘Weather beaten’ man spotted at remote Queensland creek may be police sergeant Mick Isles missing for five years
Reports of a man resembling a missing North Queensland policeman
Senior Sgt Mick Isles of Ayr has been missing since 2009
A couple saw a ‘weather beaten man’ resembling Isles at a remote creek
Sgt Isles vanished from his home and has never been found despite extensive searches
A ‘reluctant’ coroner declared Isles dead at a 2012 inquest
Published: 15:35 +11:00, 13 January 2015 | Updated: 21:50 +11:00, 13 January 2015
A couple who spotted a ‘weather beaten man’ at a remote creek in northern Queensland have contacted police saying they believe he may be missing Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, who disappeared in mysterious circumstances five years ago.
Graziers, Bill and Elizabeth Tudehope were on a remote road at Landers Creek on the Burdekin River near Millaroo last Sunday when they saw the man who was of the same age and height as the missing police officer, the Townsville Bulletin reported.
Sgt Isles has not been seen since September 23, 2009 after leaving his home in the far northern Queensland town of Ayr for a workshop 80km north in Townsville. He never arrived.
Six days later, his police issue Toyota Aurion was found at Eight Mile Creek, 170km south. The latest sighting of Sgt Isles is at a location between Ayr and Eight Mile Creek.
Following his disappearance, police conducted extensive searches for the 58-year-old, using trackers, the stock squad and the State Emergency Service.
Apart from one alleged sighting by a truck driver soon after his disappearance, Sgt Isles has never been seen again until now.
At the time of his disappearance, Sgt Isles was on only his third day back at work after a lengthy period of sick leave following a Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation which had exonerated him of drug trafficking and money laundering allegations.
His wife, Fiona, reported her husband’s failure to return home after finding an undated note on the last page of a used notebook.
The note read, ‘This is nobody’s fault but mine. I feel old and have lost the will to do anything. I feel a failure and a loser, particularly to my family whom I love so much’. The note was signed ‘Mick + Dad’.
A shot gun and ammunition were found to be missing from the Isle’s family home.
Officers found a police uniform shirt stuffed under the front passenger seat of Sgt isles’ abandoned car and in the boot, along with a hessian bag, was a blanket and a box of ammunition that was missing 16 cartridges, a pair of uniform pants and a belt.
The car keys were on the front driver’s side floor of the vehicle and a set of senior sergeant epaulettes had been placed in the centre drink console.
At a 2012 inquest, Queensland State Coroner Michael Barnes found Senior Sergeant Michael Isles ‘intentionally took his own life‘ on the day he was reported missing. Mr Barnes said: ‘I sincerely regret the distress this will cause his family’.
The Townsville Bulletin reported that on Monday northern Queensland police have sent a team of detectives to the Burdekin river area to interview the couple who made the report.
Mr and Mrs Tudehope said they saw a man walking along a sugar cane train track mid-morning last Sunday and they asked him if he wanted a lift.
‘He wasn’t interested in talking to me and didn’t want any help,’ Mr Tudehope said.
They contacted Sgt isles son Steven, who travelled to the couples’ property and then contacted police.
THE life of former Warwick and Allora police officer Mick Isles will be remembered at a special memorial service to be held in north Queensland next weekend, his family has announced.
Senior Sergeant Isles – who has been missing since September 2009 – was a popular figure in the region during his service here, which ended in 1989.
Mystery still surrounds his disappearance and his family suspect foul play, but the Queensland Coroner last month issued an interim death certificate ahead of an inquest set down for next March.
Snr Sgt Isles (pictured) was on duty and driving from Ayr to Townsville for training when he vanished, but his family still hold out hope his remains at least will be found, if not the people they believe may be responsible for his death.
Son Steven Isles yesterday released details of the memorial service to the Daily News, saying he and his mother and sisters had been deeply moved by the support they had received from locals who remembered their beloved Mick.
“We still think at times that by some magic he might walk through the door tomorrow,” an emotional Steven said.
“But we are realists and we have little choice other than to accept the coroner’s ruling, but it’s an interim and an open ruling and we don’t yet know what may come out of the inquest.”
Mr Isles said the death certificate meant his mother, Fiona, could finalise matters relating to the estate after being forced lean on her children for financial support.
The Isles family has been critical of the hierarchy of Queensland Police, which they say failed to fully investigate Mick’s disappearance and repeatedly gave them the cold shoulder and little respect.
Snr Sgt Isles was police officer-in-charge at Ayr and was reported missing on October 2, 2009. Five days later his police-issued Toyota Aurion was found on a rough track near Ravenswood, 120km southwest of Townsville.
Steven Isles believes that people involved in his disappearance drove the vehicle there as a diversion.
Snr Sgt Isles had been cleared of corruption allegations the previous July and had been struggling to deal with the aftermath, but Steven Isles said his father had shown no signs of being suicidal in the days before his disappearance.
The memorial service will be held at the Burdekin PCYC in Ayr on November 5, at 10.30am.
Burdekin PCYC facility named after missing policeman
By Josh Bavas / Nathalie Fernbach
Part of the new Ayr PCYC building has been named after missing officer Mick Isles. His wife Fiona Isles says the dedication is an honour but feels the family have been let down by the QPS.
The family of missing Burdekin police officer Mick Isles has spoken out at the opening of a new PCYC facility in Ayr today.
The PCYC’s function room has been named after the Senior Sergeant who disappeared in September 2009.
Mick Isles’ wife Fiona feels proud that the work of her husband has been recognised by the community and believes he would have been humbled by the honour.
“Mick would be very proud in fact he’s such a humble person he’d be standing there saying ‘there must be someone more deserving than me’ he’d be that sort of guy”.
Senior Sergeant Isles was last seen driving an unmarked police car, his clothes and the vehicle were later found at a property in Ravenswood, south of Townsville.
Looking back on the past 18 months Mrs Isles feels she was let down by the police service and says the family was not offered any help or counselling until her son insisted they provide it.
“It was rather pathetic They did do it only because he forced their hand.
My family weren’t offered any sort of counselling, my daughters whatever, they had to go looking for their own”.
Eighteen months on the family of Senior Sergeant Isles remain hopeful that he will be found.
“Our family would never give up hope. We keep looking we keep looking, I keep going out to the spot where he disappeared and hope there’s something that may materialise” says Mrs Isles.
A pre-inquest hearing into the case will be held later this year.
A SEARCH by police of rugged bushland where missing policeman Senior Sergeant Mick Isles‘ abandoned car was found has failed to find any trace of the man last seen alive on September 23 last year.
Police wound up the two-day search around noon yesterday. A police spokesperson said the search focused on an area about two kilometres out from where Sen-Sgt Isles‘ unbadged, police-issued Toyota Aurion was found at the end of a little-used bush track at a spot called Eight Mile Creek on Hillsborough Station.
This week’s search involved police cadets, veteran officers and the horseback mounted stock investigation squad from Charters Towers.
A police spokesperson said the search for Sen-Sgt Isles would be ongoing.
“The QPS will never stop looking for Sen-Sgt Isles. The QPS is also helping the coroner with his investigation. As this investigation is ongoing, further searches may be conducted in the future,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the Forward Commander for the search was assisted by 10 police officers from general duties and specialist areas, and 28 police recruits from the North Queensland Academy.
The two-day search was conducted in hot and trying conditions. One police officer told the Townsville Bulletin that conditions for recruits and officers walking the hilly countryside on foot were extremely hot.
“They’ll be pretty knocked up,” she said.
“This was a routine search which had originally been planned for July.
“We had some rain back then and it threw things out a bit, so we’re here now seeing if we can find anything,” she said.
Sen-Sgt Isles‘ car was found at Hillsborough Station on September 28, five days after he was last seen alive. Nothing has been heard of him since.
TownsvilleBulletin.com.au
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Sacked cop claims victimisation
The Sydney Morning Herald
Evan Schwarten September 10, 2010 – 11:20AM
AAP
A sacked Northern Territory cop has launched action against two police forces, claiming he’s been victimised since the apparent suicide of his father.
Steven Isles, a constable with NT police since 2003, has lodged an unfair dismissal claim with Fair Work Australia over his sacking by NT Police Commissioner John McRoberts in July.
Mr Isles was on sick leave for almost three years before his dismissal following a dispute with superiors over police procedures.
However, he said he was ready and willing to come back to work in 2008 but NT police refused a request to institute a return-to-work program, similar to those offered in other jurisdictions, to support him during the transition.
Mr Isles has also made a formal complaint to Queensland’s Crime and Misconduct Commission, alleging he’s been targeted and slandered by senior police since speaking out over the treatment of his father, Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, who disappeared in north Queensland last September.
He alleges senior officers in Queensland and the NT colluded to discredit him in both jurisdictions in order to pave the way for his dismissal.
This included officers making unsubstantiated claims he was suffering from a mental illness and spreading rumours of his involvement in his father’s death, he alleges.
“I personally have been victimised and targeted and the subject of slanderous action taken by senior staff and personnel,” Steven Isles told AAP.
A CMC spokeswoman confirmed a complaint had been received on August 31 and was currently under assessment.
Both NT and Queensland police declined to comment on the matters.
Sen Sgt Isles went missing three days after returning to work at Ayr police station, south of Townsville, following a year-long absence while he was under investigation over allegations of corruption.
His vehicle was found abandoned in bushland west of Townsville but his body has not been located and Queensland’s coroner is investigating the apparent suicide.
Steven Isles has been critical of his father’s treatment, including the length of time it took to clear him of the allegations and the lack of support from within QPS.
He claims senior police responded to his stand by spreading rumours and false allegations about him.
In March this year the QPS notified Mr Isles his weapons licence would be revoked after several officers filed affidavits stating they believed he was suffering from a mental illness and that he’d made threats to knee-cap Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson.
The loss of the weapons licence would have been grounds for his dismissal in the NT.
However, Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal last month reinstated the licence after police were unable to produce sufficient evidence to support the claims.
Mr Isles then voluntarily surrendered his weapons licence.
The Workers Compensation Act of 1987 and 1998 clearly states that an action by an employer that is unreasonable is an offence.
An Investigation that is dragged out for three years is clearly unreasonable when they are supposed to be completed in 90 days. The Ombudsman can give an extension, but it also must be reasonable. Murders are usually solved within three months. If any of us as investigators take too long to complete a matter, then we face serious managerial actions so why not the investigators of internal matters?
Has there ever been a 173 or 181 issued to an investigator of an internal matter that has failed or not been successful? I’ll bet not, but then again old Reg has been wrong before. Fact is allegations can hurt a person, but more so hurt a good honest hard working officer because of the pride that comes with sound integrity. To be put through such an ordeal for such a long period with such a minor and disproportionate outcome, is plain disgusting and I hope in the end an enquiry into the matter of the good Sergeant reveals this.
This sort of delay in an internal investigation, also does damage to the family unit, especially the wife who like for most of us has to endure watching their husbands become withdrawn and gutted even after the allegations are proven untrue.
https://police.freom.com/tbl
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Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee : Report No. 81 – A report on a review by the Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Commissioner of the actions and holdings of the Crime and Misconduct Commission in relation to the investigation of Senior Sergeant Michael Isles. http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/committees/documents/PCMC/reports/PCMC81.pdf approx. 246KB
It would be an interesting read for those of you without an investigators background and I recommend it to anyone with a genuine interest in this matter. For those of you not bothered to read the report here is the full wording of the conclusion, on page 29 of the report.
CONCLUSION
p29
My review of the actions and holdings of the CMC in relation to the investigation of Sen Sgt Isles revealed that, in regards to the concerns raised by Mr Steven Isles, Senior Sergeant Michael Isles and Mr Terry O’Gorman, the investigation was conducted appropriately but not in a timely manner.
My conclusions in relation to the major issues of concern identified in Mr O’Gorman’s letter to the Committee of 18 May 2009 are as follows:
As to whether there was a proper basis for the issue of a search warrant against Sen Sgt Isles – the CMC received information which suggested that an unidentified Queensland Transport or QPS officer had issued driver’s licences to associates of the principal target for $4000 per licence. The CMC made appropriate enquiries before seeking the search warrants from the Magistrate. Those enquiries established that all testing and issuing of driver’s licences in the area was conducted by
QPS officers at the Ayr Police Station. The CMC ascertained that four of the principal target’s associates had obtained HR licence upgrades in the relatively recent past and that those tests had been conducted and the four licences upgraded by Sen Sgt Isles.
The CMC considered that comments made by the principal target suggested that the person of interest may have been involved as the conduit for the communication and flow of funds and information between the principal target and the subject police officer. Telephone billing and call charge records established a high frequency of telephone contact between the person of interest and Snr Sgt Isles and a fair amount of contact between the person of interest and the principal target.
I do not consider the CMC’s actions in seeking search warrants based upon this information, to be inappropriate. In my view the CMC did consider all relevant and available facts and materials before seeking the search warrants from the Magistrate.
Certain matters which might be regarded as adverse to the issuing of the warrants sought were disclosed in the applications for the search warrants. Other matters were not disclosed in the applications for the search warrants but I do not consider it to have been inappropriate that these matters were not disclosed.
As to concerns about the public manner of the execution of the search warrant – I have concluded that Snr Sgt Isles was not detained in an extremely public manner. It was in his own office at the Ayr Police Station that Sen Sgt Isles was detained and the warrant executed upon him.
The search warrant was not executed at a time and manner where unnecessary embarrassment was occasioned to Senior Sergeant Isles. If anything, it appears that steps were taken to avoid causing unnecessary embarrassment to Sen Sgt Isles. Further, in my view it would not have been operationally appropriate for the CMC to delay executing the search warrants on Snr Sgt Isles.
As to concerns about the return of property seized at the time of the execution of the warrants – the CMC obtained an Order in Relation to Thing Seized under the provisions of section 696 of the PPRA permitting the property to be retained. Therefore, notwithstanding the initial indications by CMC officers that the mobile telephone would be returned within three or four working days, in light of the order obtained by the CMC and Sen Sgt Isles’s written consent to the CMC keeping the property until the conclusion of any investigation or proceeding involving the property, it is difficult to conclude that the CMC’s retention of the telephone was inappropriate.
Conclusion Page 30
The CMC’s retention of the mobile telephone for a further eight days after 29 April 2009 when Sen Sgt Isles was advised that the investigation regarding matters concerning him had been completed, may be regarded as inappropriate.
I have concluded that the CMC’s investigation of Snr Sgt Isles was not conducted in a timely manner. The time it took to prepare the draft investigation report, make the determination as to whether there was evidence capable of supporting any action in respect of Snr Sgt Isles, and to advise him of that decision, was excessive.
Steven Isles, in his letter to the Committee of 1 April 2009 advises that the continued and tardy investigation at the hands of the CMC has and continues to have a very marked impact on the health of my father, Michael Isles, mother, Fiona Isles, and also a number of other family members who were present at the time of executing the search warrant and the like.
It is not surprising that an unduly protracted investigation of allegations as serious as these would have such an effect.
Mr O’Gorman’s letter refers to previous complaints concerning the time taken over such investigations involving serving police officers. The CMC is well aware of such criticisms in the past and should have made a greater effort to complete this investigation within a reasonable time frame.
However it should be noted that I have no adverse comments in terms of the quality of the investigation itself it was appropriately thorough and professionally carried out with suitable recognition of the seriousness of the allegations against Sen Sgt Isles and the QPS more generally.
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Petition calls for resignation of Qld police commissioner
Penny Timms
Updated
The son of a missing police officer has launched a petition calling for the resignation of Queensland’s police commissioner Bob Atkinson.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles has not been seen since September when he went missing from Ayr in north Queensland.
Steven Isles believes his father was bullied by the Queensland Police Service and says an overhaul is needed.
“I’m actually in the process of starting a 5,000 kilometre trip throughout Queensland, rallying for support to move a no-confidence motion in commissioner Atkinson’s continued service as the chief executive officer of the Queensland Police Service,” he said.
The ABC has approached the Commissioner’s office for comment.
Family of missing police officer Mick Isles turns to witchdoctor
news.com.au 1 November 2009
AFTER exhausting all conventional options, the family of Mick Isles has turned to an Aboriginal tracker and self-professed witchdoctor to find the missing Queensland police officer.
Arnhem Land-based tracker and witchdoctor Victor Huddleston and his son Victor Nathaniel Huddleston have arrived in Queensland and tomorrow will begin searching bushland around Ravenswood, where Senior Sergeant Isles‘ abandoned car was found in late September.
An exhaustive search involving police, army and SES personnel was launched shortly after Snr Sgt Isles‘ disappearance on September 23 but failed to find any trace of the missing policeman.
However, Mr Huddleston believes he and his son will find Snr Sgt Isles within two or three days, even though any footprints left by him a month ago will have disappeared.
“I will know where he is because I will see his spirit,” Mr Huddleston told AAP.
Mr Huddleston has been involved in a number of searches in the Northern Territory and says he has never failed to find the person he’s looking for.
“When I get close to the place I will see the clear picture,”he said.
“It always works, whenever I am serious about it.”
Senior Sergeant Isles‘ son Steven travelled to Mr Huddleston’s community last week to seek his help after learning of his reputation through a police contact in the Northern Territory.
He said having spent time with Mr Huddleston in his community at Ngukurr in Arnhem Land, he was confident in the witchdoctor’s abilities.
“We have no expectations, but we are approaching with open arms,” he said.
“We’re here to establish whatever we can, to identify what has happened and potentially even finding my father, if he is there to be found.”
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Search for missing policeman Mick Isles scaled back
By David Barbeler
AAP News.com.au
October 05, 2009 08:20am
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THE search for a missing senior police officer in north Queensland has moved into a scaled down third phase, with police to visit property owners in the Ravenswood area.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, 58, who is stationed at Ayr in north Queensland, was last seen leaving his home in an unmarked police car at 7.30am (AEST) on September 23.
The car was found near Ravenswood several days later, but an extensive air and ground search, which included 45 Australian Defence Force Personnel, has not been able to locate him in the past 12 days.
A police media spokeswoman said, contrary to some media reports, police were not suspending their search but instead were focusing their attention on property owners.
“Police will visit all neighbouring stations in the area, providing property owners and workers with pictures of Sen Sgt Isles and checking all water holes and water courses for signs of unexplained human activity,” the spokeswoman said.
Yesterday, police said temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius in rocky terrain with lots of steep inclines and gorges had left many searchers exhausted and had had an effect on numbers.
The matter is now in the hands of the state coroner.
Acting Commissioner Ian Stewart said the state coroner had become involved along with the northern coroner and they were now directing the investigation.
Sen Sgt Isles‘ son Steven Isles, a police officer in the Northern Territory, said the family was deeply worried about his father’s welfare.
“Our family is obviously quite distraught. We wake up every morning hoping we are going to hear some good news,” Mr Isles said.
He said his father suffered from severe depression brought on by a delay in the joint Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) and police investigation into allegations made against him.
The CMC investigated Sen Sgt Isles over allegations of receiving payments for improperly issuing driver’s licences and money laundering.
The investigation exonerated Sen Sgt Isles on September 18, but took more than a year.
“The delay in the joint CMC and police investigation certainly impacted on my father,” Mr Isles said.
A Facebook site called Help Find Mick Isles, set up by the family, has attracted the support of more than 4700 well wishers.
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Coroner directing search for missing policeman
Updated
The investigation into the disappearance of a North Queensland policeman is now in the hands of the state coroner.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, 58, left his home at Ayr, south of Townsville, to attend a police training session on September 23.
His unmarked police car was found near Ravenswood several days later, but an extensive air and ground search has not been able to locate him.
Police and SES volunteers will continue scouring the area today and will review search efforts this afternoon.
Acting Commissioner Ian Stewart says police are no longer in charge.
“The state coroner has become involved [with] the northern coroner and they are now directing the investigation,” Acting Commissioner Stewart said.
The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) says it has investigated allegations against the missing officer but they could not be substantiated.
Police Minister Neil Roberts says he will not comment on reports the officer’s family is pursuing legal action after he was cleared by the CMC.
“I can understand the family is going through a very traumatic time at the moment and I don’t want to make any comment on any proposed legal action or not,” Mr Roberts said.
“In the end, individuals have a right to pursue whatever action they feel is appropriate.
“At the moment though, the Queensland Police Service is obviously very concerned, just as the family is, for the welfare of Sergeant Isles, and a lot of resources and effort is going into trying to locate him.”
THE family of missing Ayr police officer Senior Sergeant Mick Isles has set up a trust fund to finance a legal fight.
Sen-Sgt Isles disappeared on Wednesday last week, just two days after he returned to work following an exhausting nine month Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation from which he was cleared.
The move comes as police phase out the search and rescue component of their response and instead launch a missing person investigation.
Police have also confirmed they are investigating why Sen-Sgt Isles disappearance wasn’t reported when he failed to turn up at a planned training session in Townsville.
Son Steve Isles would not elaborate on the exact nature of the legal action, but said his father was suffering depression at the time of his disappearance as a result of the events which had played out over the past year.
”It’s a trust fund which has been established for legal action which is pending,” he said.
”It’s certainly a fund which has been established in the pursuit of justice which the family feels will prevail no matter what the outcome of the search.
”The fund has been established due to the overwhelming requests from the public.
”The family has been humbled and warmed by the compassion of people who have come forward and will do so much in our time of need.”
* ISLES TOOK A GUN WITH HIM
* SOLDIERS JOIN SEARCH FOR MICK ISLES
* AYR COP CLEARED OVER MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS
Mr Isles said the family was grateful for the support of those conducting the search, including the police service.
”They are our best hope of getting him home safe at the moment,” Mr Isles said.
However, he urged all organisations to review their procedures when dealing with an employee suffering from a mental illness.
Sen-Sgt Isles left Ayr to attend a training course in Townsville on the Wednesday morning, but it wasn’t until 7pm that evening that his wife, Fiona, raised the alarm despite his non-attendance at the course.
”It is certainly alarming when the police make arrangements for that person to attend training and no one follows up on seeing where that person is or touching base to make sure if they are okay,” Mr Isles said.
Northern Police Region operations co-ordinator Chief Superintendent Mike Keating said the circumstances surrounding Sen-Sgt Isles‘ disappearance would be fully investigated.
”That’s part of the inquiry that we have to go through,” he said. ”The full circumstances of when he left Ayr, where he was going to and discovering where he went to and why he didn’t get to where he was expected to be. So that clearly will be a matter of some interest in that investigation.”
Supt Keating said police were still hoping for the safe return of their colleague but were preparing for the potential of a coronial investigation.
An extra 40 people will be tasked to the search and rescue efforts at Ravenswood today where the car driven by Sen-Sgt Isle’s was found abandoned on Monday.
The 100-strong team will search the less likely areas in the 63km square radius from where the vehicle was found but in the absence of further evidence, efforts will be scaled back in that particular area.
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The Sydney Morning Herald 2 October 2009
From community pillar to recluse: missing cop’s downward spiral
Two weeks before his father vanished, Steven Isles travelled from his home in the Northern Territory to the family home in Ayr.
A fellow policeman, Steven knew his dad, Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, was suffering.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles (centre) with former state Police Minister Judy Spence and Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson.
For 13 long months Senior Sergeant Isles, a seasoned general duties officer and pillar of the local north Queensland community, had carried a terrible shame.
Mistakenly caught up in a corruption inquiry linked to drug trafficking and the fraudulent issue of driver’s licenses, he had not recovered from the humiliation of being arrested in front of members of his local Lions Club.
A 35-year veteran of the force, he had been planting trees in July last year when senior police acting on behalf of the Crime and Misconduct Commission detained him for questioning. His house and his workplace were also raided.
He was officially cleared on September 18, but family say few in the town or the confines of Ayr police station ever believed he had done anything wrong in the first place.
And yet the damage was done, Steven Isles said yesterday, eight days after Senior Sergeant Isles, 58, removed his uniform, dumped his police car and took off into rugged bush 80 kilometres from home.
“Over the past 10 months I’ve watched him age in the face five years. He became reclusive, he was too embarrassed to show his face in public,” Steven Isles said.
“My father is a very proud, very strong, very humble man. He did not ever want to be the centre of attention.
“It was like taking a senior public servant or a politician and arresting them at a press conference. Everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence.
“Even after he was cleared people would come up to him in the street to congratulate him and he hated that. He would say to me, ‘Why are people congratulating me? I didn’t do anything.’
“I have no doubt the police process and the CMC process is behind these recent developments.”
The family, represented by outspoken civil libertarian Terry O’Gorman, is taking legal action against the CMC and has set up a fighting trust – The Justice Fund.
Wife Fiona, daughters Lisa, 31, Nicole, 24, and son Steven, 29, have traversed the state with Senior Sergeant Isles during his lengthy police career serving in Brisbane, the Darling Downs, Cloncurry, Bowen and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
He had returned to work after a period of stress leave just two days before he vanished.
On September 23, as Sydney awoke to an eerie red sky and dust storms tracked north towards Brisbane, Senior Sergeant Isles pulled out of the driveway of his Young Street house about 7.30am in a silver police-issue Toyota Aurion sedan.
Having just returned to the job, he was being retrained in defensive skills and had been due to attend a course at Townsville police station that morning.
Instead, he drove 80 kilometres in the opposite direction, to the remote Hillsborough cattle station.
His car was found abandoned – ignition keys on the passenger side floor – about half a kilometre off a dirt track six days later. His uniform had been removed, leaving him in just a singlet and boots, and investigators say he was carrying no mobile phone.
“Certainly there were no signs that something like this was about to unfold,” Steven Isles said.
“He had had a difficult time but he was not someone who would ask for help.
“He was two years from retirement. I think the way [the CMC investigation was handled] bewildered him but this is completely out of character for him.”
Police on Wednesday called in the army and State Emergency Service to help scour 63 square kilometres of bushland near to where Senior Sergeant Isles‘ car was found.
Northern Region Chief Superintendent Michael Keating said if no new information came to light today, it was likely the land search would be suspended and police would move into “an investigation phase with the view to providing a report for the coroner.”
That is not something Steven Isles or his family is ready to consider. A Facebook page set up by Nicole Isles this week imploring people to “please keep your eyes peeled for my dad” has attracted 3200 members and growing.
“We are absolutely lost but we will not give up hope. We are doing everything we can,” Steven Isles said.
“Members of the community have come to us with dreams they’ve had. We’ve consulted a clairvoyant. We are open to absolutely anything at this point, anything that will lead us to our father.
“He could be disoriented, he’s probably hungry and sunburnt… [but]I would certainly hope he might feel compelled to find someone close by to bring him to a place of safety.
“Once he’s found, getting him better can take as long as it needs to.”
Senior Sergeant Isles is about 180 centimetres tall, of a medium build, with brown wavy hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know needs help with depression, contact SANE Australia on 1800 187 263.
A MAN matching the description of a missing Queensland policeman has been sighted near Townsville.
Police have appealed for more information after members of the public reported seeing a man dressed in civilian clothing and matching the description of Senior Sergeant Mick Isles walking along the highway near Toonpan, about 30km south of Townsville.
Grave fears have been held for Snr Sgt Isles since he went missing last Wednesday.
Snr Sgt Isles is stationed at Ayr, in north Queensland, and was last seen leaving his home in an unmarked police car at 7.30am on Wednesday.
Officers located the silver Toyota Aurion sedan at a remote property near Ravenswood.
The man sighted on the highway is described as caucasian in appearance, aged in his late 50s, approximately 178cm tall, with greying hair.
He was wearing a short sleeved checked shirt, grey dress shorts with a thin black belt, white socks and black shoes.
He was also carrying a small carry bag.
Police have asked members of the public to remain vigilant for any sightings of any person along the Flinders Highway and in the Toonpan area that may fit the description of Snr Sgt Isles.
It wouldn’t surprise me in the least that when they find Isles, they will charge him with Illegal Use of a Motor Vehicle.
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Police locate car driven by missing officer
28 September 2009 News.com.au
POLICE have found a car believed to have been driven by a missing police officer.
Grave fears are held for Senior Sergeant Mick Isles who has been missing since early Wednesday.
Snr Sgt Isles is stationed at Ayr, in north Queensland, and was last seen leaving his home in an unmarked police car at 7.30am on Wednesday.
A police spokesman said officers had located the silver Toyota Aurion sedan, with Queensland registration number 060KVD, at a remote property near Ravenswood.
The owners of the property called police this morning after locating the vehicle.
Police have arrived at the scene, and an aerial and ground search is underway.
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There has been similar investigations run here in NSW where a bodgey complaint gets lodged for what ever reason and then warrants are obtained to dig up something and then when nothing is found they go down the managerial path and find that the person who was alleged with a serious criminal offence is now only guilty of not signing a diary. It stinks and has been going on for years, destroying careers of very highly regarded officers. Most of all as in this case the family also get hurt, but I am sure, like here in NSW the QLP Senior Executive have not given a rats about the wife and kids.
Royds does this story sound familiar with one of your close mates????
I hope an pray that the good Sergeant has just decided to take some time out as he has a family who will be left in pain forever should something terrible happen.
. . . . .
What you say is so true but to not invite the Senior Sergeant to the opening of his own Police Station is about as low as you can go.
QPS management should hang their head in shame as something like this is all it takes to tip someone over the edge and destroy a long career and a family.
. . . . .
Police sources said Sen-Sgt Isles left a note in a downstairs safe thanking his wife and their three children for their support and for standing by him.
https://police.freom.com/tbl
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Sen-Sgt Mick Isles son pleads for information
September 25th, 2009
LATEST: THE son of Burdekin police officer Senior Sergeant Mick Isles has delivered a tearful plea for information about his missing father.
Police hold grave fears for the safety of 58-year-old Sen-Sgt Isles after he disappeared two days ago.
The former officer-in-charge of Ayr Police Station was recently cleared following a Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation.
He was last seen leaving his Graham St home about 7.30am Wednesday.
Son Steve Isles, a police officer in the North Territory, choked back tears as he spoke to the media in Ayr this afternoon.
He said he had spent the past fortnight with his parents in Ayr to help his father cope with depression.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson travelled to Ayr today to support Sen-Sgt Isles‘ family, fellow police officers and staff.
Sen-Sgt Isles was last seen driving a police service vehicle, an unmarked 2009 model silver Toyota Aurion sedan, with Queensland registration number 060 KVD (pictured below).
He is of caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with a thin build, brown hair and hazel eyes.
Police do not believe Sen-Sgt Isles is a danger to the public but urge against approaching the vehicle.
Anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has any information relating to Snr-Sgt Isles location should contact Townsville Police on 4759 9777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Missing cop had just returned to work
DANIEL HURST September 25, 2009 – 2:12PM
A senior sergeant who vanished in north Queensland two days ago had only returned to work this week, having taken stress-related leave during a Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, who is based in Ayr, near Townsville, was last seen driving away from his home in a police service vehicle on Wednesday morning.
He was reported missing the same day.
His disappearance comes two months after the CMCcleared him of allegations he received payments for drivers’ licences improperly issued at the Ayr police station.
brisbanetimes.com.au understands Senior Sergeant Isles had just returned to work on Monday. It is believed he signed out the police car on Wednesday morning to go to training in Townsville.
A police statement said the force held “grave concerns for his welfare”.
“We do not believe Senior Sergeant Isles is a danger to the public; however, we urge the public to not approach the vehicle, but to contact police immediately if they see the vehicle, or have any information relating to Senior Sergeant Isles‘ location,” the police statement said.
Senior Sergeant Isles has been a police officer for 35 years, having served as officer-in-charge of various stations including at Ayr, according to a Townsville Bulletin report.
He has previously won a Queensland Police Service Lantern Award for his interactions with the youth population in Cloncurry.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers described the officer as well respected.
“He is a very highly regarded officer,” he said through a spokesman.
“We feel for his family who are enduring a terrible time while he is missing.”
People are urged to be on the lookout for an unmarked 2009 silver Toyota Aurion sedan with ( Qld ) registration plate number 060KVD.
Senior Sergeant Isles is about 180cm tall, of a medium build, with brown hair, hazel eyes and a Caucasian appearance.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
I would just like to thank the QPS and the CMC for their unprofessional, victimising, deplorable, and degrading treatment of my husband, myself and my family. With only two years to go in the service, Mick held the QPS in high esteem for the past 35 years, but you have successfully changed all of that. Thank you for wrecking our lives. I take heart in `What goes round, comes round’. We are so very fortunate to have had the most remarkable PUBLIC support.
Posted by: Fiona Isles of Ayr 12:20pm Monday 11th May 2009
Now I question the usefulness and effectiveness of (1) the hierarchy of the QPS and (2) the integrity of our so called watch dog, the CMC. This is contrived rubbish – whose ego was at stake here? I worked with this officer in many community matters and have not found anyone more honest or dedicated to his job and to improving the lot for Qld. I am disgusted. I have lost faith in the Qld police, who have barely considered this man’s years of exemplary service and the CMC who have run with gossip to enact such dire consequences. Shame on you all. …and you sit in the seats of justice!
Posted by: R B Stewart – prefer unpublished of Central Queensland 09:27pm Saturday 9th May 2009
Senior-Sergeant Mick Isles has been cleared by the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC), however the fight to clear his name has just begun.
For nine gruelling months, Sen-Sgt Isles has been the subject of a CMC investigation into the suspected improper use of a number of drivers’ licences.
The long-serving officer, who is currently on voluntary sick leave, was never officially stood down from policing duties.
The CMC yesterday confirmed its investigation was unable to substantiate an allegation that Sen-Sgt Isles had corruptly received payments for drivers’ licences improperly issued at Ayr Police Station.
However, the authority said it had referred evidence of `serious maladministration of the Ayr police station, including issues of drivers’ licences’ to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for further investigation.
CMC spokeswoman Karen Crook said Sen-Sgt Isles was advised of the outcome of its investigation last week, however the Lantern Award-winning police officer only received a letter from the public watchdog on Wednesday “ the same day Ayr Police Station was officially opened by Police Minister Neil Roberts and Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders.
Sen-Sgt Isles had not been invited to the ceremony.
Brisbane-based solicitor and Australian Council for Civil Liberties president Terry O’Gorman is acting on behalf of the Isles family to make an official complaint about Sen-Sgt Isles‘ treatment through Queensland’s Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee (PCMC).
Mr O’Gorman told the Townsville Bulletin he was prepared to take the matter even further, if needed.
He said it appeared an unjustified search warrant had been taken out against Sen-Sgt Isles.
“It was carelessly taken out. In any event, on the face of it, as it appears to us, it was unjustified and we want the PCMC to inquire into the circumstances that led to this search warrant being taken out,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“I’m not saying that he should have received any preferential treatment above anyone else, but I am saying that when the CMC are involved in taking out a search warrant, they should exercise “ whether it’s a police officer or anybody else “ much greater care and ensure the facts on which they take out a search warrant are significantly verified, or in effect they can stand a royal commission.”
Sen-Sgt Isles was not able to comment yesterday due to legal issues. However his son Steve Isles, who serves as a police officer in the Northern Territory, said the manner in which his father had been treated was `deplorable’.
“As far as the investigation’s concerned, it’s good to finally see some justice in bureaucracy,” Mr Isles said.
“This goes some way towards vindicating my father of serious criminal allegations, but it does nothing to remove a lot of the mud that will still stick.”
Mr O’Gorman said the CMC needed to answer why it took it so long to complete its investigation.
The watchdog has blamed the delay on the fact Sen-Sgt Isles was on extended sick leave and he had refused to communicate with them – an allegation strongly denied by the Isles family.
“If you are a police officer and your life is effectively put on hold, it’s just unacceptable. On the face of it, this clearance could have been given five, six or seven months ago,” Mr O’Gorman said.
QPS Deputy Commissioner Rynders this week said Sen-Sgt Isles had not been invited to the official opening of his station due to a `miscommunication’ between him and the regional office.
Mr O’Gorman said they must have known his client had been cleared by the CMC well before the station was opened, as the letter sent to Sen-Sgt Isles was dated April 29.
“It just emphasises the slight in not inviting him was not a mere oversight. It was clearly more than that.”
In a short statement from QPS yesterday, a spokeswoman said police would proceed with issues raised by the CMC.
Mr O’Gorman said it added insult to injury for Sen-Sgt Isles.
“All that’s come out of this is a terse statement that there’s no evidence, but then cop this for your troubles “ we’re now going to look at you because your paperwork may not be up to scratch.”
Sen-Sgt Isles, who has been a police officer for 35 years, was nominated for the Townsville Bulletin’s North Queensland Police Officer of the Year award last year.
Sen-Sgt Isles has been in charge of several police stations since 1985. He was also awarded a Queensland Police Service Lantern Award, for youth action commitment in Cloncurry.
PHOTO: TOM HUNTLEY
