Overland to avoid mediation in compo case

Police witness Nicola Gobbo has lost a bid to force police commissioner Simon Overland to attend the mediation of her case for compensation.

Police witness Nicola Gobbo has lost a bid to force police commissioner Simon Overland to attend the mediation of her case for compensation.

Ms Gobbo The former criminal barrister is suing the state government, former Victoria Police chief commissioner Christine Nixon and her deputy and successor Mr Overland.

She has alleged that Victoria Police induced her to give evidence against former drug squad detective Paul Dale, then failed to uphold their agreement to protect and adequately compensate her. Her allegations will be defended.

Mr Dale had been charged with the murder of police informer Terence Hodson, who was shot dead alongside his wife, Christine, in their home in 2004. That charge was dropped this month in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Ms Gobbo's barrister, John Dixon SC, told the Victorian Supreme Court yesterday Mr Overland had "an active role as a participant in some of the issues that are involved in this proceeding". He said Mr Overland had particular responsibility for negotiations about witness protection and "there is an allegation that the defendants have failed to negotiate in good faith entry into the witness protection program".

Judge Stephen Kaye ruled yesterday that Mr Overland did not have to attend the mediation.