A South Australian police cadet studying to become an officer at the force\u2019s Adelaide academy has been charged with serious sex crimes involving an underage teenage boy. <\/p>\n
In a scandal sources said had rocked the force, detectives last month arrested Laura Beatrice Richardson, 23, over an alleged unlawful sexual relationship with the youth this year.<\/p>\n
Police allege the cadet, of Williamstown, 51km north east of Adelaide, had illegal sex in recent months with the unidentified teen in the outer northern suburbs.<\/p>\n
In details not publicly released, the prospective officer has since been charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage youth.<\/p>\n
If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in jail.<\/p>\n
The cadet, who is banned from work, was granted police bail.<\/p>\n
She has been suspended on full taxpayer-funded pay, senior police revealed.<\/p>\n
Northern Districts detectives allege the cadet, who was studying at the Fort Largs Police Academy, in Adelaide\u2019s outer northwest, had illegal sex at least twice in June with a boy who was aged younger than 17.<\/p>\n
Court records state police had alleged the alleged crimes occurred at Munno Para.<\/p>\n
Currently in SA, a person must be aged 17 or older to consent to sexual activity. <\/p>\n
Despite a police employee being charged, the force failed to announce details until The Advertiser\u2019s questions unlike other cases, in which the public are proactively told. <\/p>\n
It is understood a person close to the case contacted authorities, which sparked an investigation. <\/p>\n
Police sources claimed electronic items, including mobile phones, were seized.<\/p>\n
It is further claimed investigators uncovered separate drug allegations involving other cadets but a police spokesman said those claims were \u201cwithout foundation\u201d.<\/p>\n
The cadet, who had not yet graduated, has yet to plead to charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a person aged under 17.<\/p>\n
She appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on July 20, records show.<\/p>\n
She was remanded on continuing bail to reappear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in October.<\/p>\n
Under state law the teen\u2019s identity is secret as alleged victims of a sexual offence are awarded lifetime anonymity.<\/p>\n
In response to inquiries, a police spokesman revealed the cadet\u2019s charges. <\/p>\n
\u201cA female police cadet has been charged with unlawful sexual intercourse following an investigation by Northern District police,\u201d he said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cadet has been suspended, with pay. As the matter is before the courts, no further comment will be made.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said there was no exemption required from Police Commissioner Grant Stevens \u2013 who is believed to have been briefed on the case \u2013 for publication.<\/p>\n
The spokesman said the case did \u201cnot currently fall within the confidentiality provisions of the Police Complaints and Discipline Act\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mr Stevens, or a delegate, can only authorise disclosures under the controversial laws, which has come under fire for its secrecy provisions.<\/p>\n
Asked about separate allegations involving other cadets, he replied: \u201cThe remainder of the allegations you have made relating to other trainees are without foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn relation to probity, every applicant is subject to a probity assessment process.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen prior illicit drug use is identified or is admitted, it is assessed by the Probity Assessment Committee.\u201d<\/p>\n
The committee, usually three senior officers usually of superintendent rank, assess all new applicants, including criminal offending or any intelligence that suggests a police risk.<\/p>\n
Asked to clarify \u201cwithout foundation\u201d, he replied: \u201cWe have no further clarification\/statement for you.\u201d <\/p>\n
A woman at the family home said Ms Richardson was away but refused to comment further. Her lawyer, Stephen Ey, declined to comment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A South Australian police cadet studying to become an officer at the force\u2019s Adelaide academy has been 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