David Branov sentenced: Drug-addicted cop jailed for at least two-and-a-half years

A DIRTY cop who protected criminals and sold them confidential information to feed a raging drug habit will spend at least 2½ years behind bars.

Former police officer David Branov who faces a charge of misconduct in public office and firemarms and drug offences leaves the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

A DIRTY cop who protected criminals and sold them confidential information to feed a raging drug habit will spend at least 2½ years behind bars.

David Branov, 42, said trauma he experienced on the job led him to turn to ice, and when it became a daily habit he turned to crime to pay for it.

But a County Court judge said Branov’s problems offered no excuse for his crimes and did little to reduce his moral culpability.

Branov pleaded guilty to 15 charges, including two counts of misconduct in public office, three counts of theft, including of thousands of dollars of worth of methylamphetamine from Fitzroy police station, attempting to pervert justice, and weapons and drugs charges.

In sentencing Branov to four years, three months and 28 days in jail, Judge Gavan Meredith condemned the former senior constable for his gross breach of trust.

“Your role was to enforce the law, not exploit it,” he said.

Judge Meredith said Branov must be punished for undermining confidence in police.

The court heard Branov was among at least three officers accused of taking bribes to turn a blind eye to drug crimes.

The court heard that an associate paid the trio $3000, which they split, to let him go after they arrested him on drug charges.

Branov, an officer of seven years’ standing, sold personal details, including driver’s licence details and criminal records intelligence, and teamed up with a drug dealer mate to help run a large-scale drug operation in 2009.

He was paid to tip off people under surveillance and throw investigations off course.

Branov also hacked high-level police databases to provide associates with details about his drug associates and drug clients.

During his plea hearing, his lawyer, Stewart Bayles, told the court Branov started using ice to help him get through tough days on the beat.

He said that as a police officer Branov suffered because of exposure to a number of events and experiences that had had a traumatic effect on him.

But Judge Meredith said his issues offer no excuse.

“Your motive does little to reduce your moral culpability,” he said.