Former AFL star Dean Laidley put on a good behaviour bond
Dean Laidley will have drug possession charges dropped if the former AFL coach is of good behaviour for four months.
Dean Laidley will have drug possession charges dropped if the former AFL coach is of good behaviour for four months.
Laidley, 53, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday, where a magistrate placed the ex-footy star on a diversion program.
Lawyer Rob Stary asked for his client to be addressed as Dani Laidley, as she had been through gender transition and identifies as a woman.
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said that was “absolutely fine”.
Granting the diversion, Mr Vandersteen said Laidley had no prior criminal history, was “contrite” and well supported in the community. “I am also of the view the offending is at the lower end,” the magistrate said.
He also accepted Laidley had suffered extra-curial punishment by significant media coverage and the alleged leaking by police officers of a photograph showing the former North Melbourne premiership player in custody.
Laidley, who played 151 AFL games from 1987-97, was charged with three drug-related offences after officers found .43 grams of methamphetamine in a bra when arresting her in St Kilda in May.
The arrest made headlines when a photo showing Laidley wearing a dress, a long blonde wig and make-up during a police interview was made public.
Another photo of a police computer screen showing a mug shot of Laidley was also leaked.
Thirteen police officers were suspended as an internal investigation was sparked over the unauthorised release of the images.
The magistrate said he found her suitable for diversion. “If you stay out of trouble, then the charges that are before the court will be dismissed,” he said.
Mr Vandersteen also ordered Laidley to write a letter of appreciation to the police officer who has carriage of the case, for recommending it be dealt with by diversion.
Herald Sun
Israel was left with no option, says envoy
Israel’s top diplomat in Australia says his country’s war on Iran is cutting off ‘the head of the snake’ in a move that will benefit the wider Middle East and the entire free world.
Teachers’ pay offer cut back
Queensland’s teachers have been offered a new wage offer that strips back cost-of-living allowances hours after education minister John-Paul Langbroek refused to released a generational review into school resourcing.