A New South Wales police officer accused of tying up a 78-year-old man and stealing $100,000 in cash has been granted bail in Wollongong Local Court with strict conditions.
The 36-year-old senior constable, whose name has been suppressed by the court, is one of two men charged over an aggravated break and enter at Lightning Ridge earlier this month. Police allege the officer and a 51-year-old man travelled about 780 kilometres to the outback town, forced entry into a home, tied up the elderly victim and threatened him before stealing the cash.
The court heard the alleged offending was premeditated, with the officer becoming aware of the man's wealth after previously investigating him as a suspect in another matter. The accused was serving as a police officer at the time and has no criminal history.
Magistrate Les Mabbutt said the defendant was accused of a 'very serious offence' where 'violence was used,' noting that if convicted, there was potential for a lengthy custodial sentence. The prosecution's case includes CCTV evidence and fingerprints from a hire car.
The senior constable spent the weekend in solitary confinement due to risk of self-harm. His defence lawyer said he was on medication for PTSD and depression. The magistrate granted bail with strict conditions, including home detention unless accompanied by a nominated person, no contact with the victim or witnesses, and surrender of his passport.
