Craig McLachlan receives hefty payout from Victoria Police

Legal fraternity sources say actor Craig McLachlan’s settlement figure from Victorian Police, after he was acquitted of indecent assault charges, is “extremely high” for costs — but much about the case remains shrouded in mystery.

Gold Logie winner Craig McLachlan has received half a million dollars from Victoria Police to pay his legal fees after he was acquitted of common assault and indecent assault charges.

The former Neighbours star, who has just returned from filming Channel 7’s SAS Australia in the Middle East, successfully fought to clear his name after being hit with 13 charges relating to allegations he assaulted his Rocky Horror Show co-stars while playing the role of Frank N Furter in Melbourne in 2014.

McLachlan vehemently denied all allegations.

In December 2020 after a four-week contested hearing in the Victorian Melbourne Magistrates Court, Magistrate Belinda Wallington found McLachlan not guilty of the 13 charges he faced.

Following her ruling she ordered that police pay McLachlan’s legal costs.

Craig McLachlan as Frank N Furter in the Rocky Horror Show. Picture: Tara Croser

McLachlan, who signed up to be an SAS recruit alongside Anthony Mundine, Peter Bol, Stephanie Rice and Cocaine Cassie, launched Supreme Court Action in June last year after the police had failed to pay any money.

Legal fraternity sources say the settlement figure is “extremely high’ for costs awarded at the lower court level.

“I have heard of payments between $50,000 and $100,000, so that figure I would describe as quite significant,” one lawyer said.

Craig McLachlan with his partner Vanessa Scammell outside the Supreme Court in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dylan Coker

It is estimated the legal fees to run such a case, in which he was represented by top criminal lawyer Stuart Littlemore, KC, would exceed $1 million.

It is not known how much of that McLachlan was seeking, or what the police had offered to pay.

Craig McLachlan outside Melbourne Magistrates Court in 2019.

Craig McLachlan after dining in Sydney in 2018.

But the Australian actor launched Supreme Court action in June last year after police had failed to cough up a cent.

News Corp was refused access to the civil court documents, with the mediation hearing last year also heard behind closed doors.

But a Supreme Court mention in January for the case was held in open court and heard the parties had failed to come to an agreement during mediation.

McLachlan’s lawyer told the court his client was prepared to reconvene the mediation.

“I think it’s always worthwhile to keep talking,” he said.

But Antonella Terranova, for the Chief Commissioner of Police, Shane Patton, said the respondent’s position will not change.

Victoria Police have been contacted for comment.