Cop busted in crash

Internal probe into alleged virus breach

A FAR Northern police officer fined for breaching COVID-19 regulations was allegedly a passenger in a car which crashed and rolled about 200km from the Cape York community where she works.

The constable, who is stationed at Pormpuraaw on the western Cape coastline, was one of five people inside the four-wheel-drive when it crashed not far from Musgrave

Station Roadhouse on Good Friday.

Police have confirmed there were three adults and two children inside the vehicle.

All three adults, including the officer, were injured and required treatment at Cooktown Hospital. At least one was flown to Cairns.

All suffered non-life-threatening injuries and it is understood the officer has returned to work. A police spokesman said the officer was issued with a $1334 fine for non-essential travel and breaching social distancing allegedly related to the other people in the vehicle.

“Investigations are continuing in relation to the circumstance of travel by the other parties and, as such, no further PINs (Personal Infringement Notices) have been issued at this time,” he said.

Far North police Acting Superintendent Mark Lingwood said the crash was being investigated, although early indications suggested it may have rolled after its tyres became caught in ruts in the road.

He said the reason for the trip was still being investigated, by the Ethical Standards Command which conducts internal police investigations.

Acting Supt Lingwood said all police were well aware of COVID-19 restrictions.

“We know what we can and can’t do and we have a high expectation of police in the community,” he said.

Access to Cape York is restricted as indigenous communities are considered vulnerable during the virus crisis, and there are six roadblocks in operation.

Acting Supt Lingwood said there had now been 54 infringement notices handed out around the Far North linked to virus breaches.

Three people were charged on Sunday for allegedly lying to border control officers and failing to self-isolate before entering indigenous community Doomadgee from Townsville.