Former cop Nathan Byrne has had his offending described as ‘cowardly and spiteful’ by a magistrate

A former police officer turned bus driver reported an ex-partner for drinking and taking drugs on the job, a Mildura court has heard.

Nathan Byrne has fronted court for accusing his ex partner of drinking alcohol and consuming medication at a veterinary practice, breaching an intervention order

A former police officer turned bus driver reported an ex partner for drinking and taking drugs on the job, in what was described as “spiteful and cowardly” offending, a court has heard.,

Nathan Byrne, 48, appeared at Mildura Magistrates Court after reporting an ex partner to the Veterinary Practitioners Board of Victoria, accusing her of consuming drugs from the practice and drinking on the job in September last year.

A subsequent search warrant of Byrne’s address in February 2024 where electronics were confiscated showed Byrne was behind the accusation.

Byrne pleaded guilty to the offences in court on Wednesday.and

The court also heard that the victim had to complete an onerous process in order to prove she wasn’t drinking alcohol at work or taking medication from the practice.

Magistrate Patrick Southey chastised Byrne calling his actions spiteful and cowardly.

“If he had genuine concerns he would have gone through the right channels, not this spiteful cowardly way,” Mr Southey said.

Byrne was slapped with a two year good behaviour bond and will have to pay $1500 to the court fund.