In a shocking case that has rocked the New South Wales Police Force, a high-ranking detective has been found guilty of mid-range drink-driving after allegedly consuming over 20 alcoholic drinks and crashing a police vehicle in Sydney’s NorthConnex tunnel. The senior officer, known only as AB due to a suppression order, narrowly avoided conviction on the more serious charge of high-range drink-driving.
The incident, which occurred on May 13, 2023, has raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability. According to agreed facts presented in court, AB had a blood alcohol content of approximately 0.137 at the time of the crash, firmly placing him in the mid-range category. Magistrate Rachael Wong stated, “I cannot be satisfied that the accused had a prescribed content of alcohol in the high range. However … I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused did have present in blood or breath a mid-range level of alcohol.”
Police Watchdog Delivers Scathing Report
The case took a dramatic turn in July when the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) released a damning report into AB’s actions. The police watchdog made two serious misconduct findings against the officer, alleging that he deliberately left the scene of the crash to avoid being breath-tested and was dishonest about his alcohol consumption in a subsequent insurance claim.
AB was treated more leniently in the way in which he was managed by his commander and in the police review of his driving.
Law Enforcement Conduct Commission report
The LECC report revealed that AB had consumed an astonishing 13 schooners of XXXX Gold beer and eight mixed-spirit drinks before getting behind the wheel. Despite officers at the scene contemplating that alcohol may have contributed to the crash, AB was not questioned about his drinking in the immediate aftermath. The commission found that this “favourable treatment” had led other police officers to lose confidence in the integrity of the force.
Extraordinary Secrecy Surrounds Case
The case has been shrouded in extraordinary secrecy from the outset, with the court initially refusing to reveal which courtroom earlier mentions were held in. AB’s name was withheld from public court lists, with only a single hardcopy available for internal use. The unusual measures have raised concerns about transparency and special treatment for police officers accused of serious offenses.
Detective’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The LECC has recommended that AB, who is currently suspended with pay, be dismissed from the police force. NSW Police did not directly respond to questions about his employment status, stating only that “the officer is currently out of the workplace.” AB is due to be sentenced on February 11, 2025, leaving his future with the force uncertain.
Calls for Greater Police Accountability
The case has reignited debate about the need for greater accountability and transparency within the police force. Critics argue that the initial handling of the incident, the secrecy surrounding the court proceedings, and the fact that AB has remained on full pay despite the serious misconduct findings against him, all point to a culture of protecting officers at the expense of public trust.
Police officers are not above the law. They should be held to the same, if not higher, standards as the general public. Cases like this erode community confidence in the police and underscore the need for robust oversight and consequences for misconduct.
Police accountability advocate, speaking on condition of anonymity
As the fallout from AB’s case continues, pressure is mounting on the NSW Police Force to demonstrate that it takes officer misconduct seriously and is committed to rebuilding public trust. For now, all eyes will be on the sentencing hearing in February, which may provide some closure to this shocking and highly unusual case.
The NorthConnex tunnel drink-driving incident involving a senior NSW detective has exposed troubling questions about police culture, accountability, and the handling of officer misconduct. As the force grapples with the reputational damage inflicted by this case, it is clear that greater transparency, oversight, and consequences for wrongdoing will be essential to restore public confidence in the men and women sworn to serve and protect the community.
