NT Police Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Mellon charged with perverting course of justice, evidence destruction

New charges have been laid against a senior police officer as the investigation into the fatal helicopter crash that killed Outback Wrangler star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson continues.

New charges have been laid against one of the Territory’s most decorated police officers who is allegedly embroiled in a major crash conspiracy.

Former Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Ryan Mellon, 47, was charged with 32 offences in the wake of a remote fatal helicopter crash investigation.

Mellon allegedly interfered in an investigation into the West Arnhem crash, which killed 34-year-old Outback Wrangler cast member Chris “Willow” Wilson and critically injured his 28-year-old pilot Sebastian Robinson.

Five months after the egg collection expedition crash, Sgt Mellon was arrested while walking into work at the Darwin police station.

Former NT Police Tactical Response Group Sergeant Neil Mellon. Picture: Justin Kennedy

A raid of his home saw police allegedly seize illegal wildlife, fireworks and firearms.

Mellon was initially charged with disclosure of confidential information, gaining benefit by unlawfully accessing data and obtaining benefit by deception.

He was also charged with failure to meet firearm storage requirements, possessing a prohibited weapon and fireworks, stealing and possessing a protected animal.

In Darwin Local Court on Wednesday, prosecutor Steve Ledek confirmed new charges had been laid against Mellon.

Neil Mellon leaving the Darwin Local Court.

In a new file against the Sergeant, the crown has alleged Mellon attempted to pervert the course of justice, destroyed evidence and made a false declaration.

Mr Ledek said the new charges had been “anticipated”, but this was the first time the court has been presented with the specific allegations.

Police had proposed these charges in August, but when Mellon faced the court for the first time in September they were not listed.

Neil Mellon's defence lawyer Julie Franz heads to Darwin local court. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Mr Ledek said the Crown’s case against the decorated officer was heading towards an “immediate” preliminary examination mention.

He said the charges against the top cop were serious enough for the prosecution to push for the case to move to the Supreme Court.

Mellon’s barrister Julie Franz made an application to vary the police officer’s bail.

Ms Franz asked for the 47-year-old officer to be able to leave the Northern Territory, if accompanied by his mother and with prior approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

His bail variation was approved, on the condition that he also surrender his passport.

Mellon served with the force for 27 years, but is understood to have resigned from the NT Police.

Mellon is expected to appear in person at his next Darwin Local Court appearance, on November 9.