Ex-Coffs/Clarence police officer Matthew Paul Laki fails in bid to have identity suppressed in court

A former Coffs/Clarence police officer charged with illegally modifying restricted data has failed to have his name suppressed via a non-publication order.

Ex-Grafton cop Matthew Paul Laki outside court.

A former Coffs-Clarence Police District cop charged with illegally modifying restricted police data has failed to have his name suppressed via a non-publication order.

Mountain View man Matthew Paul Laki, 33, applied to Coffs Harbour Local Court for an interim non-publication order (NPO) when he faced court on Tuesday.

Matthew Paul Laki failed in a bid to have his name and address suppressed via an NPO.

Defence lawyer Brett Marshall told the court the NPO suppressing Laki’s name and address was needed for his client’s “safety”.

He argued NPOs were in place for other matters before Grafton court, but did not say what he was specifically referring to.

Magistrate Theresa Hamilton said without Mr Marshall providing more information, the request was “unusual”.

Laki is accused of illegally modifying restricted NSW Police data.

“You're tying my hands if you don’t want to put up any information,” she said before she refused the application.

It’s alleged Laki made unauthorised modifications to restricted data held on the Computerised Operational Policing System (COPS) at Grafton between 11pm on March 10 and 6am on March 11 last year.

Laki is no longer a serving officer, NSW Police has confirmed.

The case was adjourned to January 14.

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