Former AFL coach Dani Laidley awarded compensation payout over photo leak
Former star AFL coach and player Dani Laidley has been awarded a compensation payout over an ‘appalling’ photo leak while in custody.
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Six police officers have been ordered to pay former AFL coach Dani Laidley up to $3000 each in compensation after her mug shot was leaked publicly.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the six officers had their matters proven at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.
“The independent hearing officer has put them on a good behaviour bond for 12 months,” Mr Patton told 3AW on Friday.
“In addition to that, ordered they undertake a respect course through (the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission) as well as awarding compensation from each of those people between $1000 and $3000 to be paid to Dani Laidley for the harm caused.”
Mr Patton said the six officers would have to pay the compensation themselves.
He said at least three other police officers were still before the courts on criminal charges after allegedly leaking photos of the former star footballer and North Melbourne coach.
Ms Laidley, previously known as Dean, changed her name after her lawyer Rob Stary explained in November that his client had undergone a gender transition.
The photos of Ms Laidley in custody were widely circulated on social media after her arrest, and the leak was slammed by Mr Patton at the time as “appalling”.
Ms Laidley was wearing a wig and make-up during the interview inside the St Kilda police station after being arrested in May last year.
She was sentenced to a diversion program and the matter was closed in March this year after the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court found the program completed.
It meant the three charges she was facing, including possessing methylamphetamine and committing an offence while on bail, were all dropped.
Senior Constable Murray Gentner, who has been charged with misconduct in public office, is among the officers waiting to face court over the leaked photos.
His case has been adjourned until July 8 this year.
Constable David Hall has been charged with two counts of unauthorised disclosure of police information and is next expected to face the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on June 4.
The 28-year-old is accused of sending texts to two people telling them Ms Laidley had been remanded in custody on charges including stalking and drug offences.
He has been transferred to “other duties” while waiting to face court.
Another senior constable from the Southern Metro Region has been charged with misconduct in public office, unauthorised access of police information and two counts of unauthorised disclosure of police information.
More than 270 Victoria Police employees were interviewed in relation to the case.
Laidley’s career started as a player for the West Coast Eagles in 1987 before she moved to Victoria to play for North Melbourne at the end of 1992, where she was a premiership player in 1996.
She was also coach of North Melbourne for seven years and has since been part of coaching teams at Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Carlton.
Originally published as Former AFL coach Dani Laidley awarded compensation payout over photo leak
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