Nicholas John Pope pleads guilty for impersonating NT police officer

After a heated late night phone call with a disgruntled community member the owner decided to add weight to his dispute and impersonated a cop. What the court heard.

Dundee Beach Tavern owner Andrew John Pope has been sentenced for impersonating a police officer.

A popular Top End tavern manager who pretended to be a cop to intimidate a disgruntled community member has been sentenced.

On Tuesday, Nicholas John Pope, 49, appeared in Darwin Local Court more than 18 months after he impersonated a police officer.

The court heard that in early 2024, Pope and his staff at the Dundee Beach Tavern had been receiving messages from disgruntled community members who had been accusing the tavern of being responsible for the installation of bollards restricting access to the beach.

However, the tension came to a head on the evening of February 22, 2024, when a man called the tavern late at night demanding to speak to Pope.

The court heard the tavern had been targeted with abuse leading up to the incident. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A “heated” exchange then took place between the pair, with Pope denying his Tavern had any involvement in the local development.

Shortly after, Pope tried to call the man back twice but was unable to get through.

It was then that Pope left a voice message to the victim, posing as a cop.

“My name’s George from NT Police, there has been an abuse report put in and we’ll get in touch with you,” he said.

Having spoken to the tavern manager just 30 minutes earlier, the victim recognised Pope’s voice and reported the offence to the authorities.

The court heard the investigation was made easier for police, as Pope used his personal mobile device to leave the voice message.

Almost a year-and-a-half after the incident, Pope pleaded guilty to a single count of impersonating a police officer – an offence which carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment.

It was put to Judge Therese Austin that no conviction should be recorded. Picture: Supplied/NT Courts

In submissions, Pope’s lawyer maintained the offence was “out of character” for her client, who was described as a “dedicated, community-minded man”.

She put to Judge Therese Austin that a conviction should not be recorded as it would trigger the Liquor Commission to review his license.

“The consequences are potentially quite serious for the defendant’s employment,” she said.

Judge Austin noted Pope had no prior convictions, but maintained the offence was serious.

“The community must be aware that if you impersonate a police officer it is very likely you will come to court,” she said.

Pope was found guilty and handed a $300 fine, as well as a $217 victim’s levy.

No conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Nicholas John Pope pleads guilty for impersonating NT police officer