Northern Territory police officer Neil Mellon could face more charges, a Darwin court has been told
A former Territory top cop could face further charges after allegedly destroying evidence in major crash investigation. Read what happened in court.
Police & Courts
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A decorated former Territory police officer facing a slew of charges including conspiring to destroy evidence in a major helicopter crash could be hit with further offences, a court has heard.
Former Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Mellon did not appear in Darwin Local Court on Wednesday, where he was represented by Sally Ozolins.
Ms Ozolins is representing the Northern Territory Police Association during the inquest into the death of Indigenous teenager Kumanjayi Walker in 2019.
Mellon has been excused from appearing at his next court date.
Ms Ozolins said the defence anticipated prosecutors would confirm whether further charges against Mellon would be laid.
“We haven’t received that information yet,” she said.
Prosecutor Charlotte Maybery-Reupert said an application would be made in relation to further charges.
A two-week adjournment was granted.
Mellon was arrested on August 25 and was charged with 31 offences including obtaining benefit by deception and disclosure of confidential information.
He had served 27 years with the force at the time of his arrest.
He resigned from the NT Police after he was charged.
The charges are understood to relate to a helicopter crash on February 28 in which Outback Wrangler cast member Chris “Willow” Wilson died.
Pilot Sebastian Robinson, 28, was critically injured following the West Arnhem Land crash.
Mellon has also been charged with unlawfully access data – gain benefit, failing to meet storage requirements and stealing.
Mellon’s matter will return to court on October 19.
Remote Helicopters Australia director and chief pilot Michael Burbidge was arrested last month and charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in relation to the same fatal chopper crash.
He was bailed to appear in the Darwin Local Court on October 19.
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