Water Police boss threatened with dismissal over fatal Outback Wrangler chopper crash

The Northern Territory Police Force has threatened to sack the first female boss of its Water Police Unit in connection to the fatal chopper crash that killed Outback Wrangler cast member Chris “Willow” Wilson.

Northern Territory Water Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Sandi Mellon with Superintendent Daniel Shean. Picture: Supplied

The Northern Territory Police Force has threatened to sack the first female boss of its Water Police Unit over the chopper crash that killed Outback Wrangler cast member Chris Wilson.

Senior Sergeant Sandi Mellon has been issued with a show cause as to why she should not be sacked over alleged breaches of discipline, including sharing confidential information about the crash with her off-duty police officer husband who then rushed to the scene.

Assistant Commissioner Bruce Porter issued the notice on February 24 after an investigation by the Professional Standards Command. Sergeant Mellon has about six weeks to respond.

The veteran officer has been on stress leave for a year and made a formal complaint in ­October against multiple members of the police executive, accusing them of bullying and failing to support her mental health.

Hearing delayed for Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, helicopter pilot Michael Burbidge over Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson’s fatal chopper crash

Sergeant Mellon has declined to comment but a relative – who asked not to be named – told The Australian that before this spate of allegations, which they called a “witch-hunt”, the 26-year police veteran had not been accused of any disciplinary breaches.

Sergeant Mellon’s first ­alleged breach related to her conduct on February 28 last year when she told her husband Neil Mellon about Wilson’s chopper crash.

Wilson – who starred on ­reality television shows Outback Wrangler, Matt Wright’s Wild Territory and Wild Croc Territory – was killed when the ­Robinson R44 he was slinging from crashed on the King River in a remote part of West Arnhem Land during a crocodile egg-collection mission. Pilot Michael Burbidge, who was flying a separate chopper, found the wreckage before calling for help.

Sergeant Mellon has admitted that after receiving a work email that morning about the crash, she phoned her husband – who was Northern Watch Commander – and told him about it.

Sandi Mellon and Neil Mellon. Picture: Supplied

Her off-duty husband – a former Territory Response Group boss and senior search and rescue co-ordinator – immediately flew to the scene with celebrity croc-wrangler Matt Wright, who owned the destroyed chopper, and Darwin publican Mick Burns, who owns the crocodile egg-harvesting business.

Mr Mellon, Mr Wright and Mr Burbidge have all since been charged with serious criminal ­offences related to the major crash investigation, including making false statements, destroying evidence and either conspiring or attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Most of Sergeant Mellon’s disciplinary breaches relate to her not rectifying or reporting her husband’s alleged possession of unsecured ammunition, prohibited weapons, fireworks and crocodile skulls that were discovered when detectives searched their home in August.

She was also accused of failing to report suspected or actual improper conduct by her husband, related to the disclosure of confidential information.

Also, following her husband’s August arrest, Sergeant Mellon allegedly confronted and threatened to kill her former best friend Narelle Jose after discovering that Ms Jose and her husband had been having a long-term affair.

She is due back in court on Monday to face charges of unlawful entry, trespass, assault, making a threat to kill and disorderly behaviour.