Inflation nightclub: CCTV probe over police at swingers party

UPDATE: LAWYERS for a couple shot by police at an erotic party have hit out after video footage emerged of officers mixing with women in the nightclub shortly beforehand.

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LAWYERS for a couple shot by police at an erotic party have hit out after video footage emerged of officers mixing with women in the nightclub shortly beforehand.

Dale Ewins, 35, and Zita Sukys, 37, were shot at King St’s Inflation Nightclub shortly after 3am on Saturday, July 8.

Police stormed in after receiving a report that a man had a gun. Mr Ewins, dressed as The Joker, had a toy gun.

The couple are suing police, and their lawyers told the Herald Sun on Thursday that the video cast “serious doubt” on police actions.

The lawyers said the footage shows two police off~icers flirting and dancing with women in the club about 90 minutes before the shooting.

The footage shows a female patron “twerking” in front of one of the policemen.

Kim Price, a partner at law firm Arnold Thomas & Becker, told the Herald Sun: “We understand that prior to the shooting, police refused invitations by Inflation staff to enter the venue to safely obtain the toy gun.

“However, footage has now surfaced showing that they were apparently prepared to enter the premises to flirt and dance with patrons on the dancefloor while on duty.

“We believe this casts serious doubt over the actions of Victoria Police and the quality of their decision-making that evening,” Mr Price said.

Mr Ewins and Ms Sukys, who was dressed as comic-book character Harley Quinn, were attending a Saints and Sinners party at the club.

Sergeant Anthoula Moutis, on behalf of the force, said: “All police attendance at Inflation Nightclub on (July 8) will form part of the investigation being overseen by Professional Standards Command and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

“Police members are expected to attend licensed venues and are regularly approached by patrons who engage them in conversation.

“Police are expected, at all times, to conduct themselves professionally,” she said.

“As the investigation is continuing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

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