Victoria’s Court of Appeal has delivered a decisive ruling affirming the lawful dismissal of a former police detective involved in sharing inappropriate content through a WhatsApp group. The verdict, announced on Wednesday morning, represents the culmination of a protracted legal battle surrounding former Detective Senior Constable Murray Gentner’s termination from Victoria Police in July 2023.\n\nThe case originated during an investigation into the unauthorized dissemination of custody photographs featuring former AFL coach Dani Laidley. While examining potential leaks, police investigators discovered a private WhatsApp group containing multiple officers, including Gentner. Although cleared of criminal charges related to sharing details of Laidley’s arrest, Gentner faced disciplinary action for other content shared within the group.\n\nA disciplinary inquiry officer (DIO) investigation revealed that participants in the chat had exchanged images of deceased individuals at crime scenes, seized sex toys from warrants, and engaged in derogatory, discriminatory commentary about colleagues. The DIO report characterized Gentner’s conduct as \”disgraceful or improper,\\” noting he had consistently prioritized his own interests over professional duties throughout a five-year period ending in 2021.\n\nThe report expressed particular concern about officers treating deceased individuals with disrespect, stating such behavior \”would be a shock to the majority of the community\” and represented \”an affront to public decency.\” Gentner, a 20-year veteran of the force, had previously described his involvement as a significant error in judgment.\n\nThe legal journey saw Gentner initially appeal his dismissal to the Police Registration and Services Board, which upheld the termination. He then escalated his challenge to the Victorian Supreme Court, where Justice Michael McDonald ruled in August 2024 that the dismissal was unjust due to procedural errors regarding the DIO’s authority to amend charges during review.\n\nVictoria Police subsequently challenged this decision to the Court of Appeal. Justice Simon Whelan, speaking for a three-judge panel, determined that the DIO did possess the necessary authority to amend charges, rendering Gentner’s dismissal lawful. The court set aside Justice McDonald’s judgment and dismissed Gentner’s appeal, with detailed reasons for the decision expected to be published later Wednesday.
Sacking of former Victoria Police officer Murray Gentner upheld over ‘disgraceful’ WhatsApp group messages
