Three Victoria Police officers were today found guilty of unlawful assault at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court following an investigation by Victoria’s independent police oversight body, IBAC.
Constable John Patrick Edney has been found guilty of one count of assault with weapon and one count of unlawful assault. Senior Constable Brad McLeod has been found guilty of three counts of unlawful assault. Senior Constable Florian Hilgart has been found guilty of one count of unlawful assault.
The findings of guilt are a result of IBAC’s Operation Henty, an investigation into allegations of excessive use of force by Victoria Police officers when they attended a house in Preston to conduct a welfare check on a pensioner in September 2017. The incident was captured on CCTV. IBAC charged the officers with assault offences following the investigation.
IBAC has independent oversight of Victoria Police to ensure it acts with impartiality and accountability, and in accordance with the law. This oversight is critical because of the significant powers exercised by police officers including use of force, and powers to detain, search and arrest.
As this matter is still before the Courts, IBAC will make no
