Kings Cross Superintendent Jon Beard ‘had baseball bat’ during alleged assault

The senior cop who has been charged with assaulting two men while he was off-duty was allegedly carrying a baseball bat on the night in question. There is no suggestion the bat was used in the alleged assault.

Detective Superintendent Jon Beard, from Kings Cross Police Area Command, has been charged with assaulting two males in an incident in September 2024. Picture: Supplied

One of the state’s most senior police officers who has been charged with assaulting two men was allegedly carrying a baseball at the time.

The Saturday Telegraph can reveal the bat was seized for further examination after the incident involving Kings Cross police commander Jon Beard. There is no suggestion the bat was used in the alleged assault.

The new details have emerged a day after The Daily Telegraph revealed 55-year-old Supt Beard — who was off duty at the time — was charged with three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to two of the three people he allegedly confronted in a Stanmore street on September 21.

Investigating officers alerted the Professional Standards Command, as revealed by The Telegraph earlier this month.

Sources say Supt Beard, who has previously worked in the Professional Standards Command, approached the three males who were allegedly knocking on doors in his street and running away around 10pm on the night in question.

Detective Superintendent Jon Beard has been charged with assaulting two males in an incident in September 2024.

Acting Assistant Commissioner David Driver, of the Professional Standards Command, on Friday told journalists that as a result of the incident three men were arrested and charged with assault and trespass on premises.

Neighbours say CCTV footage shows the experienced police officer chasing the men down the street.

Two of the three men — aged 18 and 21 — suffered injuries including cuts and bruises, and one an injury to his shoulder, and as a result 55-year-old Supt Beard was charged and “currently not in the workplace”, Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

On Thursday NSW Police released a statement saying: “Following an incident at Stanmore on September 21 involving a 55-year-old off-duty police officer, the Professional Standards Command established Strike Force Swanage to investigate an alleged assault.

“Following inquiries, the superintendent – attached to the Central Metropolitan Region – was issued a court attendance notice … for three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm.”

Superintendent David Driver said charges had been laid against Det Supt Beard.

Supt Beard, who has two decades of distinguished service behind him, will appear at Downing Centre Local Court for the first time on December 5.

“Police will allege in court that the man assaulted two males, aged 18 and 21,” the statement said.

“The officer’s employment status is under review.”

When The Daily Telegraph exclusively revealed the well-known officer was under investigation earlier this month NSW Police would only say: “Investigations are under way by officers attached to the Professional Standards Command following allegations of an assault by an off-duty officer that occurred about 9.50pm on September 21.”

In October 2022, the Kings Cross Police Area Command posted a video to Facebook introducing Det Supt Beard as their new commander.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the community, and working with you,” Det Supt Beard said, before introducing an upcoming operation targeting offenders with outstanding warrants.

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