Media Releases

Senior Constable Florian Hilgart and Senior Constable Brad McLeod had appealed after being found guilty of assault offences arising from an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) investigation.

IBAC's investigation (Operation Henty) examined allegations of excessive 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.

In July last year, Senior Constables Hilgart, McLeod and John Edney were found guilty of assault offences without conviction in the Magistrates' Court. All three officers were ordered to pay a sum into the court fund. Senior Constable Edney did not appeal. 

IBAC has independent oversight of Victoria Police to ensure it acts lawfully, professionally and ethically. This oversight is critical because of the significant powers exercised by police officers including use of force, and powers to detain, search and arrest.

IBAC's work aims to build Victoria Police's capacity to address corruption and police misconduct to help prevent incidents such as those investigated in Operation Henty. To report public sector corruption or police misconduct now, visit www.ibac.vic.gov.au/report or call 1300 735 135.

Media contact: media@ibac.vic.gov.au or 0427 480 840