Former NT Police Superintendent Daniel Shean on attempting to pervert course of justice charge
The former head of the Territory’s road safety division has denied allegations he interfered in a traffic incident in May. See why the ex-top cop will be facing court here.
Police & Courts
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The former head of NT Police’s road safety division has denied attempting to pervert the course of justice during a traffic stop ahead of his local court appearance.
Recently resigned Territory Road Policing Division Superintendent Daniel Shean has denied allegations he misused information during a traffic incident on May 18, 2024.
The NT News understands there was an internal investigation into the allegations that Mr Shean misused information during a random breath test involving his son following the Bass in the Grass music festival on May 18.
His son is not accused of any wrongdoing.
When asked in August, the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services media division said: “At this moment, we are unable to provide specific comments on internal matters”.
Mr Shean was contacted and wholeheartedly denied the allegations.
“I’m not sure who has stated that I misused information regarding my son; that is incorrect,” he said.
“It’s frustrating when misinformation is spoken about.”
Mr Shean said he was not stood down from the force, but had resigned “for personal reasons … my health and family”.
On Tuesday NT Police published a statement saying a 56-year-old man had been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to a traffic incident on May 18.
He is due to appear in Darwin Local Court on November 19.
The release made no mention that at the time of the alleged offending the 56-year-old was the Territory Road Policing Division Superintendent.
After the notice to appear was issued, Mr Shean told the NT News that he was unable to comment further on the matter until the court case was finalised.
Under the NT Police transparency guidelines, if an officer faced misconduct allegations the matter would first be investigated by the Ethical and Professional Standards Command, but “in the event that charges are laid and subsequent disciplinary action taken (if any), this information will be communicated to the public”.
“Although the alleged offender will be identified as a police officer in any media release, identifying or potentially identifying details will be restricted.”
PFES was asked why it was not disclosed that the charges related to a former police officer who at the time of the alleged offending was employed by NT Police.
“NT Police transparency guidelines do not extend to the employment status of the 56-year-old male,” a spokeswoman said.
“As the matter is before the court, we will not be making any further comment.”
In 2021 an internal review of NT Police’s media unit made 20 recommendations to reform the office after it found it was generally viewed as “obstructive, secretive, and uncooperative” and had a “bunker mentality”.
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