NT Police Sergeant Dion Roche to undergo mental health assessment over stalking, harassment charges

A Territory cop, who was part of the ethics and standards internal investigations unit, will undergo a mental health assessment over allegations he took part in a campaign of stalking and harassment.

A generic photo of an NT Police Officer , NTFES, Cop, Law Enforcement Picture: Glenn Campbell

A Territory cop tasked with investigating fellow officers’ ethics and professional behaviour has claimed he was mentally unwell when he allegedly launched a campaign of stalking and harassment.

Sergeant Dion Nicholas Roche will undergo a mental health assessment this week, four months after he was put on paid leave over charges of stalking and harassment in May.

On Monday, Darwin Local Court heard the 37-year-old, who is currently in Adelaide, was seeking to have his Commonwealth criminal charges listed in the mental health diversion list.

Barrister Luke Officer represented Sergeant Dion Nicholas Roche in Darwin Local Court. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

His Barrister Luke Officer said medical documents showed Mr Roche was suffering from an illness over a period which “covers the entire period of the offending”.

Judge Greg McDonald said the police officer would need to undergo a preliminary assessment before the full mental health report, but approved the application to refer his charges to the specialist court.

However, Mr McDonald said Mr Roche must appear via telephone for his next hearing on Thursday, October 3.

Mr Roche previously served with the Katherine Police and the Professional Standards Command, the police unit tasked with investigating the ethical conduct of fellow officers.