‘Charge dismissed’: Ex-police officer Travis Paul Pocock, 40, found not guilty on assault charges

Coffs Harbour man and former police officer Travis Paul Pocock, 40, has been found not guilty of six assault charges but two matters remain before the court. Here’s what happened.

Charge after charge against ex-policeman Travis Paul Pocock received the same response on court on Tuesday - “I’m left in reasonable doubt and the charge is dismissed”.

Magistrate Jeff Linden dismissed a total of six charges of assault against Pocock in Coffs Harbour local court on Tuesday November 19.

The charges were brought against Pocock from incidences alleged to have occurred between May 2020 and February 2021 in the line of duty as a serving officer in the Nambucca region and also while on duty at Macksville Police Station.

Pocock sat in the front row with his family as Magistrate Linden detailed to the court the details of four of the charges involving the arrests of four complainants one of whom referred to Pocock as “Robocop”.

Travis Paul Pocock leaving Coffs Harbour local court on Tuesday November 19.

Linden found those witness accounts “unsatisfactory” and noted their “dislike of police”.

He told the court he had to consider whether the use of force and capsicum spray was reasonable for the various charges.

Travis Paul Pocock leaving Coffs Harbour local court supported by family and friends on Tuesday November 19.

“The use of force is dependent on officers’ assessment of the situation,” he said.

Pocock also faced two assault charges brought by a policeman that alleged he was verbally assaulted and struck by him on two occasions at Macksville Police Station.

Magistrate Linden said “This is an oath on oath situation and I’m left in reasonable doubt.

“The matter is dismissed.”

Travis Paul Pocock (far left) relaxes after an appearance at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday November 19.

There are two more charges before the court that Pocock pleaded guilty to on April 30— common assault and pervert the course of justice.

His defence lawyer Mr Haverfield submitted reports from a psychologist and psychiatrist and told the court Pocock has post traumatic stress disorder.

Mr Haverfield advised Pocock was seeking a mental health application for the remaining charges.

Crown prosecutor Ms Stewart opposed the application noting that the treating psychologist, Ms Edwards, had “overstepped...is a close personal friend and is not an independent witness”.

“She has diagnosed but is not a psychiatrist,” Ms Edwards argued.

Pocock remains on bail and is due to return to court on January 14, 2025.

Originally published as ‘Charge dismissed’: Ex-police officer Travis Paul Pocock, 40, found not guilty on assault charges