The lawyer of Dean Laidley has ripped into Victoria Police after photos of the former North Melbourne coach inside a police station leaked online.
The 53-year-old was arrested outside a St Kilda residence at around 9.00pm on Saturday, police said in a statement. He was later charged with stalking and other matters.
Laidley faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday. He did not apply for bail, and is due to face court again on May 11.
#BREAKING: Former North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley is in custody tonight. @LanaMurphy #9News pic.twitter.com/DkCCOpxMfB
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) May 3, 2020
Following his arrest, two pictures appearing to be of Laidley circulated widely on social media on Sunday night. One of the photos appears to show Laidley inside a police interview room, wearing makeup and a blonde wig. The second photo seems to be his mugshot.
Laidley’s lawyer, Dee Giannopoulos, issued a scathing tweet over the leaked photos.
“Outraged that pictures of my client, taken by some police officer, on the sly, when in custody in interview have hit the media. Typical #grossbreachofprivacy,” she tweeted.
Outraged that pictures of my client, taken by some police officer, on the sly , when in custody in interview have hit the media. Typical #grossbreachofprivacy
— Dee Giannopoulos (@deeglaw) May 3, 2020
Victoria Police confirmed on Monday that it is investigating the circulation of the images.
“This is one of the most significant breaches of a person’s privacy and Victoria Police will not tolerate this sort of behaviour,” the force said in a statement to Nine News.
“Professional Standards Command has commenced a thorough investigation and will be looking into all aspects of the matter.”
A @VictoriaPolice Professional Standards Command investigation has commenced into the Dean Laidley photo leak. Lawyer @deeglaw has slammed the gross breach of privacy. Police will speak to media this afternoon. @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/K3vZC80cGh
— Lana Murphy (@LanaMurphy) May 3, 2020
Laidley coached the Kangaroos from 2003 to 2009. He is currently Maribyrnong Park’s senior coach in the Essendon District Football League.
