Sydney Criminal Defence Lawyers Blog: O'Brien Solicitors

QLD Police officers investigated for racist social media posts

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, criminal defence, deaths in custody, police / By Sarah Gore / July 20, 2021 July 20, 2021

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll says an investigation is underway in relation to officers behind racist social media posts. Carroll states that the Queensland Police Service will take disciplinary action against officers if necessary. Facebook group revealed The announcement comes after The Australian revealed racist posts within a private Facebook group of Queensland police officers. …

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Four charged, chemical weapons used on inmates after protest at Parklea Prison

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, criminal defence, deaths in custody, prison / By Sarah Gore / July 19, 2021 July 20, 2021

Four men are facing charges following a #BLM protest at Parklea Correctional Centre last Monday. The four men – aged 20, 23 and two aged 22 – were transferred from Parklea to Riverstone Police Station on Friday where they were each charged with rioting. Armed officers used chemical “munitions” (weapons) on 14 inmates on the …

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Former top cop to head Royal Commission into Veteran and Defence Personnel Suicides

criminal defence, public hearing, royal commissions / By Sarah Gore / July 15, 2021 July 20, 2021

Former Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Police Nick Kaldas will be heading the new Royal Commission into Veteran and Defence Personnel Suicides. The Prime Minister announced the role at the official launch of the commission last Thursday. A mental health epidemic for veterans Between 2001 and 2017, one Australian veteran died by suicide every two …

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Family of Aboriginal man who died in custody was prevented from visiting him because of COVID-19

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, criminal defence, deaths in custody, prison, royal commissions / By Sarah Gore / July 14, 2021 July 14, 2021

Frank “Gud” Coleman was found unresponsive in his cell on the morning of last Thursday 8 July in Long Bay Jail. The 43-year-old Aboriginal man hadn’t seen his family in 18 months due to restrictions on in-person visits. The Ngemba man was healthy, according to family, which has set off alarm bells as to the …

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Family of Aboriginal man who died in custody was prevented from visiting him for 18 MONTHS because of COVID-19

Parramatta Federal Circuit Court Judge sexually harassed two young women

criminal defence / By Sarah Gore / July 13, 2021 July 13, 2021

A Federal Circuit Court Judge based in Parramatta sexually harassed two young women, according to a court inquiry. The Court initiated the inquiry after one of the women sought legal advice about what happened to her. The internal inquiry found that Judge Joe Harman had harassed a junior employee and a former law student. Totally …

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No Deputy Commissioner, Police do need to be fair

criminal defence / By Sarah Gore / July 12, 2021 July 12, 2021

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys has come out to say that Police have to be more firm then fair. “Police have always said that they will be firm but fair. We are now in a position where we need to be much more firmer than fairer,” he said. “Police are just getting a little …

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NSW Police deployed into South-West Sydney to enforce COVID-19 orders

criminal defence / By Sarah Gore / July 9, 2021 July 9, 2021

The NSW Government is targeting South-West Sydney with 100 extra police officers to ensure compliance with the NSW COVID-19 health orders. This is despite not doing the same with other areas experiencing outbreaks. When announcing the operation on Thursday afternoon, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke said there were still too many people leaving their …

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Drug detection dogs during the COVID-19 lockdown

crime, criminal defence, drugs, strip search / By Sarah Gore / July 8, 2021 July 8, 2021

Greater Sydney is under stay-at-home orders, fighting a recent outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 delta strain. However, NSW Police still have their drug sniffer dogs out. Last Thursday, a drug detection dog was doing its thing at Campbelltown railway station, checking essential workers for any trace of illicit substances. While the state follows medical advice …

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Governor of Silverwater women’s prison arrested for alleged assault of inmate

criminal defence, police, prison / By Sarah Gore / July 7, 2021 July 7, 2021

The Governor of Silverwater women’s prison has been arrested and charged for allegedly assaulting and choking an inmate. Corrective Services has suspended Tracey Mannix from her role following her arrest. Corrective Services suspends Silverwater prison governor after assault arrest The NSW Police’s corrective services unit launched an investigation following a referral from Corrective Services …

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Attending court during a COVID-19 lock down

crime, criminal defence / By Sarah Gore / July 6, 2021 July 6, 2021

When a lock down occurs, or stay-at-home orders are made, the NSW Court system is updated to minimise social contact. NSW Local Court during a lock-down During the current stay-at-home period, the NSW Local Court is limiting people who need to attend the court in person in the Greater Sydney area. This means that any …

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