Top cop responds to calls from leading QC for his sacking over Lawyer X scandal
Commissioner Graham Ashton has responded to claims from a leading QC that he should be stood down for his involvement in the Lawyer X scandal, labelling the comments as “sensationalism”.
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Former chief crown prosecutor Gavin Silbert, QC, has called for Victoria Police’s top brass implicated in the Lawyer X scandal to be sacked.
“Anyone who sanctioned this should have gone,’’ he told ABC-TV’s 4 Corners program.
Mr Silbert was the state’s chief prosecutor for 10 years from 2008 to 2018.
He named Commissioner Graham Ashton and former chief commissioner Simon Overland as “being parties to what’s gone on”.
But Commissioner Ashton hit back this morning, labelling Mr Silbert’s comments as “sensationalism”.
“I’m at a position where I’ve got to respect the processes of the royal commission and that’s a shame others don’t see the need to respect the processes of the royal commission,” he told 3AW.
“The evidence will be put forward, and I’ve always said from day one that in relation to myself I’ve done nothing wrong and I maintain that position.
“I think some of the sensationalism surrounding some of that commentary is unnecessary, frankly.”
A five-year Herald Sun investigation revealed high-profile criminal barrister Nicola Gobbo doubled as a police informer during the gangland war that rocked Melbourne in the 1990s and 2000s.
Victoria Police senior officers sanctioned the recruitment of Ms Gobbo, lawyer to underworld figures such as Tony Mokbel, and the revelation sparked the current royal commission.
“She (Ms Gobbo) was effectively dealing up her clients on a platter,’’ Mr Silbert told 4 Corners. “The upper hierarchy of Victoria Police has to take complete responsibility.
“Those who knew and sanctioned what was happening were guilty of terrible breaches of duty and extraordinarily unethical behaviour.’’
Commissioner Ashton said he’s “not going anywhere” and would at least see out his current term, which runs until June 30 next year.
He is hoping to be called to give evidence at the royal commission and is “standing by”.
The royal commission on Monday heard dozens of police knew about Ms Gobbo’s dealings, but one after another they have claimed it was not their job to do anything to stop it.
In emails, reports, briefings and meetings, officers raised their concerns. There was an eight-point analysis presented to senior officers, including Mr Overland, warning the force could be on track for a royal commission and convictions might be at risk.
A man referred to as “Officer Richards” was on Monday quizzed, becoming the latest in a string of junior officers to distance themselves from responsibility.
After a decade behind bars Faruk Orman had his conviction for murder quashed by the Court of Appeal after it was determined Ms Gobbo’s role caused a significant miscarriage of justice.
A total of 51 statements, more than 150 exhibits and 145 informer contact reports detailing Ms Gobbo’s dealings with handlers is still pending.
With AAP