Several law enforcement officers tied to the case concerning NRL celebrities Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton are now under review by an internal standards panel. This unfolding development follows the astonishing dismissal of the charges that were brought against the two sportsmen in the ACT Magistrates Court.
The court cleared the duo of the charges related to incidents said to have transpired in the early hours of February 5 this year. This exoneration came about after Sergeant David Power, who oversaw the arrests, confessed to providing false testimony during the proceedings.
The initiation of the internal audit was confirmed by Police Minister Mick Gentleman after a discussion with ACT Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan. He conveyed that the officers in question have been referred to the internal standards division of ACT Policing. However, he abstained from suggesting possible disciplinary measures, emphasizing the importance of allowing the unit to conduct its investigation.
After the court granted the dismissal of the charges, Tom Taylor, legal counsel for Mr. Mitchell, noted that Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury had also been informed of the case and might consider a further review. The dismissal was finalized by Magistrate Jane Campbell when the prosecutor concluded the presentation of evidence.
Both NRL players were awarded legal costs to be covered by ACT Policing. The players were initially apprehended while celebrating Mr. Wighton’s birthday at a local nightclub in Canberra. Sergeant Power instigated Mr. Wighton’s removal from the club based on his perceived aggressive behavior.
However, when questioned on surveillance footage that did not coincide with his account, Sergeant Power conceded that his recollection had faltered. Once outside the club, Mr. Wighton and Mr. Mitchell were alleged to have fought each other. As law enforcement intervened, they attempted to arrest a protesting Mr. Mitchell, using substantial force to do so despite pleas of pain and protests from onlookers.
Addressing the resolution of the case outside the court, Canberra Raiders’ CEO, Don Furner, dubbed it an unnecessary drain on court resources and public funds, with a suggestion that the matter could have been averted. He conveyed his skepticism that this would be the last controversy of its kind involving the ACT police and the DPP.
