Gravedigger cleared: SA Police close investigation into allegations a former employee desecrated graves at Cheltenham Cemetery
POLICE say there is “no evidence of any criminal offence” over allegations a former Cheltenham Cemetery gravedigger took photos of grave contents and the man will not face any charges.
FORMER Cheltenham Cemetery gravedigger Brett Mackay will not face criminal charges over allegations that he took photos of the contents in graves.
Police said in a statement on Wednesday that they had found “no evidence of any criminal offence having been committed’’ and that the investigation into Mr Mackay’s actions had been closed.
“Western Adelaide police have finalised an investigation into a report of a cemetery worker taking inappropriate photographs,’’ the statement said.
“Police have no evidence of any criminal offence having been committed.’’
Mr Mackay voluntarily went to a formal interview on Wednesday after which police decided to close the case, lawyer Dimitrios Georgiadis told The Advertiser.
“Mr Mackay has always maintained he didn’t do anything wrong and he has received advice from me about taking action for defamation and he is considering that,’’ Mr Georgiadis said.
Mr Mackay came under police investigation after claims he took photographs of bodies, skulls and bones while working as a gravedigger at Cheltenham Cemetery.
It was alleged Mr Mackay showed them to others at social occasions.
The claims reportedly came from an anonymous tip-off to Crime Stoppers on March 15.
Mr Mackay quit his job at Cheltenham Cemetery two days later. He declined to comment on Wednesday.
Today Adelaide Cemeteries Authority chief executive Robert Pitt said they had fully cooperated throughout the investigation and thanked police for their efforts.
Last month, Mr Mackay’s lawyer told The Advertiser that his client had an “exemplary work record”, backing his claims by providing a written statement from Mr Pitt.
“In his role (Mr Mackay) was committed to fulfilling the requirements of his role diligently,” the statement said in part.
“His work ethic and punctuality was commended. During the time he worked with the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority, he displayed a flexible and proactive approach to the work and met competing deadlines.
“He was able to work independently and was committed to continuous improvement.’’