Media Releases

Three Victoria Police officers found guilty of unlawful assault, today received adjourned undertakings without conviction following an investigation by Victoria's independent police oversight body, IBAC.

Constable John Patrick Edney and Senior Constable Florian Hilgart received an adjourned undertaking of twelve months, with $1000 to be paid into the court fund. Senior Constable Brad McLeod received an adjourned undertaking of twelve months, with $3500 to be paid into the court fund.

All three officers were charged by IBAC with assault offences following 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 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.

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