New Zealand police officer, soccer referee David Brooke charged with act of indecency on young person

A senior soccer referee and veteran New Zealand cop allegedly “squeezed” a teenage girl in an indecent act in Canberra, police claim.

David Brooke faced the ACT Magistrates Court on July 13, 2023. Picture: Sam Turner

Details of the alleged indecent act against a teenage girl which led to the arrest of a senior soccer referee and a veteran New Zealand police officer in Canberra have been revealed.

David Brooke, a serving police officer of more than 31 years, pleaded not guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday to an act of indecency on a young person prior to a Canberra soccer tournament.

The 66-year-old successfully had his bail varied to allow him to return to New Zealand on the agreement he would forfeit $30,000 if he failed to appear in court when required.

In documents tendered to the court it was revealed the charge involved an interaction between Brooke and a teenage girl during a team building exercise days before a Canberra soccer tournament in July.

Police say the activity involved the team taking a picture in a “super hero pose” with the 66-year-old suggesting the teenager should be lifted onto the arms of other participants to earn “extra points”.

David Brooke leaving the ACT Magistrates Court on July 13, 2023. Picture: Sam Turner

Court documents say Brooke turned to the teen and grabbed her under her arms and allegedly had his thumbs and part of his palm over her chest.

The teenager allegedly felt Brooke “squeeze” his hands on her chest and lifted her off the ground and laid her across the arms of the other team members.

He then used his phone to take a photograph of the group to collect points for completing the task.

The alleged victim was spoken to by two witnesses who reported the events to the soccer tournament.

Brooke was arrested at his accommodation several days later.

David Brooke (centre) with his legal team. Picture: Sam Turner

During his bail variation, defence barrister John Purnell told the court Brooke’s current conditions prohibited him from leaving Australia with his passport surrendered to the court registry.

Mr Purnell tendered more than a dozen character references in a bid for his client to return to his home country on bail.

Prosecutor David Leggett said there was a strong case against Brooke, and told the court the New Zealand man had no ties to the ACT and needed bail conditions to ensure he would return to face the charge.

David Brooke worked as a New Zealand police officer for more than 30 years. Picture: Sam Turner

A back and forth ensued regarding the length of the extradition process, where Mr Purnell labelled the prosecution’s submissions as “mumbo jumbo speculation” which had “nothing to do with reality”.

The court heard the New Zealand Police were aware of Brooke’s charge.

Mr Purnell said his client had been separated from his friends, family, home and job since being charged and incurred expenses while in Canberra since being bailed.

He further argued there were “no founded concerns” for his client to not to appear in court.

Magistrate Glenn Theakston granted the bail variation under the agreement Brooke would pay $30,000 if he failed to appear in court when required.

Brooke’s passport was returned which would allow him to return to New Zealand.

His matter was adjourned to September 21.