NT Police officer Matthew Kevin Lea-Smith allegedly left person to die

A Territory cop who allegedly failed to rescue someone in need could face up to seven years in prison if found guilty of the charge. SEE THE VIDEO HERE.

A TERRITORY cop who allegedly failed to rescue a person in need could face up to seven years in prison if found guilty of the charge.

Matthew Kevin Lea-Smith, 51, appeared in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday accused of failing to rescue or provide help.

Lea-Smith sat stoically in the packed courtroom, his arms crossed over his lap as his matter was assessed by Judge Ben O’Loughlin.

Prosecutor Marty Aust said at least four weeks was needed as there was “a lot of material” for defence lawyer Ray Murphy to assess as it headed to the higher courts.

It is understood Lea-Smith is a police negotiator with more than a decade of experience with the NT Police.

The Criminal Code states that anyone who is able to provide rescue, resuscitation, medical treatment, first aid or help in a life-threatening incident, but “callously fails” to do so can face up to seven years in prison.

In March police confirmed the fail to rescue investigation was under the oversight of Crime Command.

Lea-Smith will next appear in the NT Supreme Court on June 22.