Detective charged for leaking arrest photos of Dani Laidley

A police detective has been charged with illegally leaking photos of Dani Laidley after her arrest on stalking charges in May.

The images of Laidley, wearing make up and a wig as well as an arrest mugshot, went viral on social media and online within hours of being taken at St Kilda Police Station in Melbourne.

The pictures of Laidley – formerly known as Dean Laidley – were part of a major internal police investigation within hours of being leaked.

A detective leading senior constable from the southern metro region in Victoria was charged over the leaked photos on Wednesday.

He faces one count of unauthorised access of police information, four counts of unauthorised disclosure of police information, and one count of misconduct in public office.

The officer, who remains suspended from his daily duties, will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 30 next year.

Victoria Police said an investigation into the matter was prolonged due to the fact a large number of police employees received or forwarded the images of Laidley.

Other employees shared posts on social media, according to the Sun Herald.

‘One of the main challenges investigators have faced is determining who received or forwarded the photos taken at the station, versus those who were sent links once they appeared on social media,’ the statement read.

Almost 300 staff were interviewed as part Operation Stellars, with three staff still facing the possibility of criminal proceedings. 

Laidley was given an 18-month good behaviour bond for the stalking charges and is reportedly looking to get a new job where she can advocate for the transgender community.

Laidley was the senior coach of the North Melbourne Kangaroos from 2003-2009. In 2020, he transitioned into a transwoman.