Ray Hadley speaks out about son Daniel’s drug arrest: Read the full statement

RADIO broadcaster Ray Hadley held a press conference today in the wake of his son Daniel’s drug arrest. Here is Hadley’s full statement. READ THE TRANSCRIPT.

RADIO broadcaster Ray Hadley held a press conference today in the wake of his cop son Daniel’s drug arrest. Here is Hadley’s full statement. READ THE TRANSCRIPT.

“LAST night my son Daniel was arrested in possession of 0.79 of a gram of cocaine, worth around $200.

When I was first told, I was angry and perplexed.

I had no idea my son, a respected police officer, would be involved in such a matter.

I brought Daniel back to my home and my anger turned to shock and sadness. My son revealed to me he’s been having mental health issues for some time.

He was also injured at work some time ago.

My son had been seeing his GP about these issues without my knowledge.

Ray Hadley’s emotional response to his son’s drug arrest. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

A call to the GP with my son’s permission revealed that this was true. The serious nature of his illness is such that he’s been admitted to a clinic immediately.

RAY HADLEY’S COP SON DANIEL CHARGED OVER DRUG POSSESSION

I’m not a medical professional and I won’t guess the nature of his illness but I will tell you it’s very serious and his family, me, his mum, sisters, aunts and uncles are very concerned.

I’m sure with expert medical advice he can recover from where he is now.

So far, as the criminal charges are concerned, this is a matter for the courts and the police.

I would appeal to everyone to consider things he’s dealt with over the last seven years as a police officer have had a dramatic impact on him.

Ray Hadley with his son Daniel in 2012. Picture: Andrew Taylor

All the time his colleagues and I were thinking he was coping and he wasn’t.

His boss, Chief Inspector Graham Wright, said to me last night: “I’m sorry I’ve let you down.”

I thank Chief Inspector Wright for his comments but in fairness, I do not think anyone has let him down.

Daniel accepts responsibility for his behaviour but unfortunately is not in control of his mental health.

I now know how many parents feel when they think things are okay when they’re not.

I feel particularly inadequate as a father and a spokesman for R U OK Day when in fact my son is not okay.

I’ll be making no more public comments on the matter and I hope you all understand why.

Thank you to all our friends and family and many of my media colleagues who are offering their support to Daniel. He’s not a public figure but unfortunately for him I am, hence today’s gathering.

Thanks for your understanding and attendance.”