Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll says conviction against Neil Punchard “very serious matter”

Queensland’s top cop says a policeman’s leaking of a woman’s address to her allegedly violent ex-partner is a “very serious matter” that she will carefully consider.

THE Police Commissioner says a police officer who leaked a woman’s address to her allegedly violent ex-partner is a “very serious matter” that she will carefully consider.

Senior Constable Neil Glen Punchard was sentenced in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday after pleading guilty to nine counts of using a restricted computer.

DV victim ‘lives in fear’ after cop Neil Glen Punchard leaked her address to violent ex-partner

Qld cop Neil Glen Punchard avoids jail for leaking DV victim’s address to violent ex-partner

He received a wholly suspended two-month jail sentence, with a conviction recorded. However, he remains a serving police officer, on full-pay “administrative duties”.

Punchard disclosed personal information about the woman and her partner to her former partner, a long-time friend of Punchard’s, over a one-year period from 2013.

Senior Constable Neil Punchard pleaded guilty to nine counts of using a restricted computer. Picture: Glenn Hunt/AAP

The court heard Punchard “inflamed” the situation by giving his friend advice, including that he should “let loose on her”.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll issued a statement this afternoon acknowledging the case.

“This is a very serious matter and one that I am taking the time to consider carefully with respect to process and legal implications,” she said.

“At this time and given the appeal period that remains in place, it is inappropriate for me to comment on this matter further.

“I can confirm the member remains stood down at this time and is not exercising any police powers.”

Ms Carroll said she expected the highest standards from police officers.

“I can assure the community that we have the procedures and systems in place to take action on these matters, and going forward, I commit to ensuring these systems remain strong and in keeping with the expectations of the community we serve,” she said.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the Government and the community expected the highest standards of ethical and professional behaviour from all members of the Queensland Police Service.

“No doubt there should be consequences for police who do not live up to the standard expected of them,” he said.

“And like many members of the community, I think there should be consequences for Mr Punchard for his actions.

“In this respect, I’m advised the Police Commissioner is seeking further legal advice in relation to this matter.”