VIC:Cop admits receiving $5000 payment

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2010
VIC:Cop admits receiving $5000 payment

By Daniel Fogarty

MELBOURNE, Aug 6 AAP - A Melbourne policeman who took a $5000 payment from a man on
an intensive corrections order is likely to be placed on the same order.

Prosecutor Michael Roper said the policeman, Clifford Phillip Douce, 42, told the other
man, after releasing him on bail for an alleged domestic dispute in February 2009, that
he had financial difficulties.

The man told Douce, who was a senior constable at the Cranbourne police station, he
had difficulties in relation to any possible future charges because he was on an intensive
corrections order.

"Douce has then asked (the man) to assist in the provision of a payment of $5000," Mr Roper said.

The next day Douce phoned the man and asked how he was going with the money.

He told him his house was in jeopardy and he really needed the money, Mr Roper said.

In a later conversation the man told Douce he had the money to which Douce replied: "Legend".

Douce met the man in the car park of a McDonald's store in Narre Warren and was handed
a red envelope containing $5000 cash, Mr Roper said.

Douce was immediately arrested by Ethical Standards Department investigators.

He pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office.

Douce's lawyer Robert Thyssen told the court Douce had a gambling problem at the time.

Magistrate Peter Mealy said the offence was no doubt a cause for concern within the police force.

"This is an extremely serious offence," he said.

"It undermines the confidence of the public in the police force."

Mr Mealy said Douce's culpability was high because he knew what he was doing and could
have pulled out of the deal.

He ordered Douce be assessed for an intensive corrections order, a form of prison time
served in the community.

A report on whether he is suitable for the order is expected later on Friday.

AAP df/ce/dep/mn

KEYWORD: DOUCE

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