Jail officer who impersonated cop to get McDonald’s discount sacked

A NSW Corrective Services officer who impersonated a police officer to get a discount on a McDonald’s feed has lost his job after pleading guilty in a Sydney court. The man told detectives it was “common practice” among correctional staff.

A NSW Corrective Services officer who impersonated a police officer to get a discount on a McDonald’s feed told detectives it was “common practice” among correctional staff when he was caught out.

Maroubra man Lawrence O’Driscoll-Faitaua, 43, appeared in Waverley Local Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty after he asked for a police half-price discount on a large Big Mac meal and 24 chicken nuggets at a Kingsford McDonald’s outlet last month.

The father, who has since been sacked from his position as a casual correctional officer at the Surry Hills cells after his arrest, entered the drive-through and showed a badge saying “NSW Police Force — external agency” to a cashier before ordering the meal on the afternoon of December 29.

Corrective Services officer Lawrence O'Driscoll-Faitaua dashes from Waverley Court today.

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But a McDonald’s manager became suspicious and questioned the card, to which O’Driscoll-Faitaua said he “attends the drive-through at least 30 times a year and always gets a discount”, according to a police fact sheet tendered to the court.

The manager provided the discount but reported the incident to police, who later identified O’Driscoll-Faitaua on CCTV.

When he was confronted at work at Surry Hills cells days later he said he was “told by other correctional officers that this was common practice” and “expressed remorse”, according to the police facts.

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman confirmed on Tuesday O’Driscoll-Faitaua’s contracted had been “terminated earlier this month”.

“The employee was also advised that he will not be offered any shifts as a casual correctional officer pending misconduct action, which — in line with Public Service legislation — will commence following (Tuesday’s) court outcome,” she said.

Lawrence O'Driscoll-Faitaua leaves Waverly Court with his lawyer after being charged with impersonating a police officer to get a discount at a fast food restaurant.

“The vast majority of our 9,000 staff observe the highest professional standards and are well aware that this behaviour is not acceptable.”

In court, his defence lawyer Dominic Longhurst conceded it was likely his client would not be able to work for the government “ever again”.

“He’s most ashamed for not being a better role model for his young son,” Mr Longhurst said.

“As a consequence of his actions and these charges … it is unlikely he will be able to gain employment with the public service ever again.”

In sentencing, Magistrate Jacqueline Trad criticised O’Driscoll-Faitaua for his “foolish” decision for a discount of only around $10.

“You’ve got to understand it’s a fine line that people step when they start flashing these things for different purposes and then the next thing and the next thing and it becomes more serious,” she said.

“(It’s a) very, very foolish action that finds you in this situation … you told officers that it was something you’ve been told about by work colleagues. The issue is of course you stand alone and (have to) face the consequences of your actions.”

O’Driscoll-Faitaua was convicted on a charge of impersonating a police officer but escaped conviction on the charge of obtaining financial advantage by deception due to the small amount of money.