Graeme Pedley: Assault charge dropped against glorified Navy Commander
An assault charge against glorified Navy Commander Graeme Bruce Pedley has been dropped by police prosecutors following an alleged family dispute in May.
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A glorified Navy Commander who’s been praised for his “devotion and commitment” to his country had a win in court on Monday after an assault charge was dropped against him.
Graeme Bruce Pedley, 63, of Roseville appeared at Hornsby Local Court after being charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (domestic violence) from an incident on May 17. Police had alleged he assaulted his son Benjamin Pedley.
Prior to the charge being withdrawn on Monday the Navy Commander had pleaded not guilty.
During court proceedings the police prosecutor told the magistrate they were “not in the position to proceed” because Benjamin Pedley and the witness, that is, his mother were subpoenaed and police had attempted to “contact both mobile phones and attended an address in Roseville” but were unsuccessful.
“The matter itself is a domestic violence offence against the 26-year-old child of the accused. Police alleged Benjamin Pedley as a result received a split top lip, observed by police on arrival. There is evidence of a triple-0 call, where police will allege the victim contacted triple-0,” Sergeant Taylor said.
Prosecutor Taylor said Benjamin Pedley was not willing to provide statements or have photographs taken but that a statement had been provided by a constable (who attended the home).
“There was no defects taken and no photographs, they were declined,” she said.
Magistrate Louise McManus said in the facts, police had allegedBenjamin Pedleywas “fearing formal action against his father, meaning, proceedings against his father.”
“It’s not an unusual set of circumstances in matters of domestic violence that victims and witnesses are not forthcoming,” Sergeant Taylor said in response.
Mr Pedley’s lawyer said the application should be refused.
“There’s no statements … The application should be refused on the basis police aren’t going to get any detail,” the lawyer said.
Magistrate McManus said the “statement of facts is actually comprehensive” and that it was a “serious charge”.
“The facts show the alleged victim Benjamin Pedley, had been spoken to by the defendant’s wife about collecting his socks when the alleged victim began yelling and talking back at the witness about a game. The defendant upon overhearing the commotion, walked in and raised his hand to the accused and caused the victim to bleed.
“The facts also reveal [that he] refused to supply police with a formal statement and didn’t allow photos to be taken. Police has done everything they can, but [the victim and witness are] not going to attend. I’m of the view this matter should be refused.”
The matter was put on hold and when it returned to the courtroom, the police prosecutor said she was seeking to withdraw the AVO and the charges were dropped.
Mr Pedley was offered an opportunity to comment outside court today over the charge being withdrawn, but declined.
Back in 2015 Navy Commander Pedley was recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours where he received an OAM medal in the military division for his “meritorious service as deputy commander mine warfare, clearance diving, hydrographic, meteorological and patrol force, and chief of staff amphibious and afloat support group”.
Chief of Navy Australia also published a Twitter post in May thanking Navy Commander Pedley for his 45 years of service.