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AAP
AAP
National
Karen Sweeney

Cop challenging AFL coach photo charges

Murray Gentner (pictured) contests charges over the release of photos of ex-AFL coach Dani Laidley. (AAP)

A detective is continuing to challenge charges over the leaking of photos of former AFL coach Dani Laidley in custody.

Ms Laidley's mug shot and another of her in an interview room wearing a blonde wig and dress were shared among police and on social media following her arrest in May 2020.

Gentner, a detective senior constable, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, where his lawyer Tony Hargreaves said the matter "has not resolved and I doubt will resolve".

He is facing six charges including accessing and disclosing police information and wilful misconduct in public office.

It's alleged Gentner accessed details relating to Ms Laidley's arrest at the offices of the Port Phillip criminal investigations unit and that he shared it with several unnamed people from his Keilor Lodge home.

It's alleged he shared details including Ms Laidley's photo, custody number and the fact of her remand overnight.

He's also accused of relaying details of charges against Ms Laidley, the alleged victim and her address, and made references to Ms Laidley as "now a full blown ice head and tranny".

Charge sheets detail claims Gentner disclosed information with claims including "He's fried. Dressing like a tranny" and "He's on the ice pretty bad apparently".

The documents allege Gentner shared the information contrary to his duty not to disclose public information.

His case has been adjourned to be heard alongside the case of another officer, Shane Reid, who is also facing charges over the photo leak.

Mr Hargreaves said the central issue of both cases was whether the prosecution can identify the duty it's alleged the officers breached.

Prosecutor Neill Hutton said while the circumstances of the case are the same, the allegations against the two men are different.

Both cases will return to court on October 8.

Several other officers are also facing criminal charges while Victoria Police's internal discipline board has ordered 11 officers, ranking from constable to sergeant, pay up to $3000 each to Ms Laidley out of their own pockets.

A civil suit has also been filed in Victoria's Supreme Court.

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