Arabic version: ضابط سابق يتجنب الإدانة في اعتداءات بسيدني

According to ABC News, former NSW police superintendent Jonathan Andrew Beard has avoided a conviction over the assault of two men at his inner-Sydney home in September 2024. Downing Centre Local Court imposed a two-year good behaviour bond for two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Judge Jacqueline Milledge said the incident was “not trivial” and that it was hurtful and should never have happened. Beard, 57, pursued Charlie Mannus and Rory Fendell after they had drunkenly knocked on his door and hidden while playing “knock and run” following an 18th birthday celebration.

The court heard Beard assaulted the men on a concrete laneway, with CCTV capturing them being hit, shoved and pulled to the ground. Mannus suffered a dislocated shoulder. Judge Milledge said that, whatever the young men’s “senseless activity”, they did not deserve what occurred, while also saying she had criticised both them and Beard.

The judge heard Beard had seen a medical practitioner the day before the assault after sustaining psychological and physical injuries at work. He had reported symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, including sleeping difficulties, withdrawn behaviour and persistent hypervigilance. Judge Milledge said his judgement had been “absolutely impaired”. Beard was medically retired from NSW Police in November 2025 after being suspended with pay following the incident.

Prosecutor Patrick Mulvihill had argued that a conviction should be recorded, describing the location as very dangerous and saying Beard was not under an imminent threat. A family member of Mr Fendall said outside court that he was disappointed with the outcome.