Senior police officer allegedly glassed at wake in Dubbo bar

A senior police officer is recovering after allegedly being hit in the head with a glass bottle following a funeral in country NSW. A former cop has been charged over the bar fight.

Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna was allegedly glassed in the face. Picture: Supplied

A senior police officer has been allegedly glassed in the face at another officer’s wake in country NSW.

Superintendent Peter McKenna, who is on the cusp of a promotion to Assistant Commissioner, was in Dubbo in the state’s Central West on Friday to pay his respects at the funeral of an ex-police officer who recently committed suicide.

The wake for Sgt Bradley Edwards was held at a pub afterwards.

According to police sources, Mr McKenna turned up to the wake where a group of current and former officers were drinking.

One of the ex-cops was Leslie Cobby.

According to police, Cobby and Mr McKenna were in a heated exchange before Cobby allegedly hit the senior officer across the head with a bottle.

Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna was treated in hospital on Friday. Picture: Damian Shaw

Bystanders intervened and Mr McKenna was taken to Dubbo Base Hospital for treatment.

It is understood he received stitches for the laceration to his face.

A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed Cobby was charged over the alleged assault.

“A 45-year-old man was arrested,” she said.

“He was taken to Dubbo Police Station and charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.”

Cobby was refused bail and is due to appear in Dubbo Local Court on June 30.

Sources said Cobby was medically discharged from the police force in 2018.

Meanwhile Mr McKenna was awaiting surgery on Saturday for his injury.

“He is receiving ongoing care and looks forward to resuming duties at the appropriate time,” Assistant Commissioner Geoffrey McKechnie said.

Mr McKenna is the commander of the Orana Mid Western Police District but was last week announced as the incoming Assistant Commissioner to head the Northern Region.

The 30-year veteran of the force was awarded an Australian Police Medal last year.