Statement from Acting Assistant Commissioner, Jamie Chalker:

“NT Police were called by a female travelling in her vehicle claiming that she was being followed by two unknown men in a silver Mitsubishi and feared for her safety.

The complainant was instructed by the police call taker to drive to the Casuarina Police Station and remain in the vehicle until approached by a Police Officer who would assist her. The woman attended the police station in a distressed state.

Subsequent inquiries revealed that the occupants of the other vehicle were media representatives.

After establishing their identity, Police asked the woman if she was willing to be interviewed by the media, however she declined.

The woman who presented at the Police Station was clearly distressed and the on duty Officers, acting in good faith, made a decision to drive her home. The Officers also believed evicting her from the station may lead to a breach of the peace.

The decision by the Police was made in the interest of the welfare of the distressed complainant, and was not intended to prevent the media from seeking an interview.

No Detectives involved in the current, fraud investigation, were involved in this particular incident.

The NT Police investigation into the Fraud allegations is ongoing. This is a complex investigation involving the analysis of material relating to the alleged misappropriation of funds from 27 complainants.”

Media Contact:
Katie Fowden
8985 8805