Then NSW Police Officer guilty of fabricating evidence; Man wins over $450,000 for wrongful imprisonment
The Supreme Court of NSW has awarded more than $450,000 in damages to Mr. Luke Moore, who was wrongfully jailed for three weeks as a result of a then police officer’s false statement.
What happened
In 2021, Mr Moore made a phone call to Newtown Police Station, making a complaint about the misuse of strip searches.
Former Senior Constable Daniel Keneally falsely claimed that Mr Moore had threatened to kill a regional detective.
Based on this false statement, Mr Moore was charged with making threats and spent 22 days in custody.
Luckily, he had recorded the call, which later proved he had made no threats at all.
Former SC Keneally was later convicted of fabricating evidence and sentenced to a community corrections order, community service, and a fine.
The damages awarded
Justice Richard Cavanagh awarded Mr Moore a total of $456,000, including:
$200,000 for general damages (loss of liberty and emotional harm)
$50,000 for reputational damage
$50,000 aggravated damages
$40,000 exemplary damages
$83,200 for loss of past income
The Court also ordered the State of NSW to cover his legal costs.
Why this case matters
This case highlights:
Police accountability – fabricating evidence is a serious breach of public trust.
The importance of evidence – Mr Moore’s own recording was critical in clearing his name.
The human cost of wrongful incarceration – even a few weeks in jail can cause lasting harm to a person’s reputation, wellbeing, and livelihood.
Our view
False statements and fabricated evidence can have devastating effects on a person’s life. While financial compensation can never fully undo the damage, cases like this show the courts will hold authorities accountable for abuse of power.
If you or someone you know has been wrongfully arrested, falsely accused, or maliciously prosecuted, it’s vital to seek legal advice as early as possible.
This OYBlog was created with AI Assistance using the source - https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/stripsearch-activists-massive-court-win-over-keneally-arrest/news-story/89b5ffd3ed4fdb3230ab6b2853bfbad0