Court sheriffs office staffer ‘hugged’ criminal Vince Focarelli, another nicknamed Weinstein, parliament inquiry told

Hugs for failed gang leader Vince Focarelli and Weinstein nicknames – more allegations from the court sheriffs bullying inquiry have come to light.

Gang leader Vince Focarelli leaves the Sir Samuel Way Building on December 16, 2013 – the day a court sheriff’s office staffer allegedly hugged him. Picture: Greg Higgs

A staff member in the sheriff’s office hugged failed gang leader Vince Focarelli in a public court foyer while another earned the nickname “Weinstein” for inappropriate workplace behaviour, according to a submission to an inquiry.

A confidential submission to parliament’s inquiry into the Courts Administration Authority outlines allegations of “pathetic, highly inappropriate behaviour” by management.

The 12-page document has been highlighted by sheriff’s officers in support of their call for immediate management change within the Courts Administration Authority.

It makes a number of allegations concerning incidents, between late 2008 and mid-2019, involving two “protected and untouchable” staffers, one male and one female, who are still employed in senior roles.

The female staffer, it claims, has used internal CCTV cameras to “perv” on “drop dead gorgeous” witnesses and engaged in “inappropriate touching” at work.

That allegedly extended to contact with Focarelli on December 16, 2013, when he was released on bail over assault and kidnapping allegations.

“She was observed hugging and embracing known underworld crime figure Vince Focarelli at the Sir Samuel Way Building entry desk in uniform and in full public view,” it says.

Convicted sex offender and former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein. Picture: Johannes Eisele/AFP.

It further alleges the male staffer has been nicknamed “Weinstein” – a reference to Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein – due to his “unprofessional” behaviour.

The alleged behaviour includes making advances toward a female officer, pushing her away and swearing when rejected, and publicly exposing himself at a department function.

“(On one occasion) he placed his hand down the back of (a female officer’s) uniform pants then made comment that ‘I can do what I want with my subordinates’,” it alleges.

“It’s this history of sleazy behaviour toward female staff that has earned him the nickname of ‘Weinstein’ among the sheriff’s officers.”

The entrance to the Sir Samuel Way Building, which houses both the District Court and the Supreme Court’s criminal matters.

In November, the parliamentary inquiry found the CAA’s “inconsistency and lack of accountability” had led to “significant adverse impacts” on officers’ wellbeing.

Chief Justice Chris Kourakis has repeatedly and publicly rebuked the inquiry as “unfair”, criticising it for relying upon “innuendo” and “secret information”.

He has yet to respond to The Advertiser’s standing request for an interview regarding the inquiry and its findings.

The inquiry recommended officers be managed by the Department for Correctional Services, but officers say that is a “misdirection” from addressing the CAA’s systemic issues.

The confidential submission, which formed part of the inquiry’s deliberations, alleges the male staffer was also dismissive while assessing potential new recruits.

“I have heard, and been disgusted by, him referring to people as ‘WTF’ or ‘Way Too Fat’ and making comments like ‘didn’t like the gap in her front teeth’,” it asserts.

“I would hate to think how many potentially great future officers we have had the missed opportunity of employing because he didn’t like their personal appearance.

“When it comes to matters of human resources and discipline, the CAA should be setting the benchmark for all of government to aspire to – instead of dragging along well below it.”