Top of page
Misc

Police urged to apologise to man with disability prosecuted for ‘doing nothing wrong’

police officers walking

A West Australian man with a disability who was strip searched and prosecuted after a false claim he was photographing children should receive an apology from WA Police and have his conviction expunged, according to one of the state’s top oversight bodies, ABC reports.

A scathing report from Michael Murray, the parliamentary inspector to the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC), blasted WA Police’s handling of the matter, saying the force had previously been advised the arrest was unlawful but chose not to act on that finding.

Mr Murray’s report, released in State Parliament this week , found Denys Martin was arrested in Cottesloe in 2017 after witnesses said they saw him taking photos of children.

But after a strip search at a police station, it was confirmed he did not possess a mobile phone, camera or any device capable of taking a photograph. Mr Martin was taken into custody and forcibly fingerprinted in an attempt to identify him, before being convicted and fined $500 for failing to provide his details. An initial police investigation into those events found his complaints were “unsubstantiated”, but that probe was reopened and a “senior police solicitor” recommended he be given a formal apology and assistance to appeal against his conviction.

You might also like

child smiling, in a wheelchair with a pink communication device in front of her. child smiling, in a wheelchair with a pink communication device in front of her.

Exclusion and bullying of disabled students runs rampant in Australian schools

Children and Young People with Disability (CYDA), with their partners…

Agnes Wessalowski of Germany competes in long jumping at the Special Olympics World Games Agnes Wessalowski of Germany competes in long jumping at the Special Olympics World Games

Disability Sports Australia introduces new strategy

Disability Sports Australia (DSA) unveils the debut of its latest…

changing places toilet facilities changing places toilet facilities

Accessible facility for persons with disabilities unveiled in ACT

The Albanese Labor Government is working with the ACT Government…

Young woman with disability engaged in craftsmanship Young woman with disability engaged in craftsmanship

Government launches new education support program

The McGowan Government will invest $12.4 million to establish a…