Corrupt detective told to show cause

By Les Kennedy
October 22, 2004

The Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney, has begun formal proceedings to dismiss the corrupt detective Christopher John Laycock.

Laycock, 33, who told the Police Integrity Commission that he thwarted a child pornography investigation in return for a bribe, was asked in writing yesterday to show cause why he should not be sacked.

No criminal charges have been laid but Mr Moroney has the power to dismiss any officer under Section 181d - "Loss of commissioner's confidence" - of the Police Service Act.

In a statement, Mr Moroney confirmed Laycock, the son of the recently retired assistant commissioner John Laycock, had been served with the 181d notice at his home yesterday.

Under the act, Laycock who was suspended from duty on September 29, is entitled to argue in writing any mitigating circumstances that he should continue to serve as an officer.

In evidence to the integrity commission, Laycock, who joined the police in 1989, has admitted to eight years of corrupt activity that have included associations with alleged Russian mafia figures.

He admitted to using fake search warrants to extort money from suspects and to taking bribes from criminals.