A police officer with "psychological difficulties" destroyed
his career when he stole cash during a drug raid, a court has
been told.
Detective Sergeant Shane Allan Stirling was caught on
surveillance footage pocketing money during a police raid on
a property in Woodridge, south of Brisbane, on June 25 this
year.
He pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today to
stealing as a servant.
He was sentenced to 200 hours community service, despite the
crown asking for jail.
The court heard the crown is alleging he pocketed $1000,
while he claims it was only $300.
However, the court heard there would be little difference in
penalty between those two amounts.
Stirling's lawyer, Steve Zillman, said his client had enjoyed
a "meritorious career" for 20 years, and had been responsible
for numerous drug trafficking and murder investigations.
He said Stirling had been diagnosed in 2004 with significant
"psychological and psychiatric difficulties" that affected
his moods, his behaviour and his attitude to work.
"Because he was not acting rationally, he's not even at this
point able to say why it was he took the money," Mr Zillman
said.
"It (appears) it was the playing out of a death wish, and it
has been achieved, because he has no future with the
Queensland Police Service."
Mr Zillman said QPS had instigated disciplinary action
seeking the dismissal of Stirling.
Commissioner Ian Stewart said the Queensland Police Service
would continue to take a tough stance on officers who broke
the law.
Magistrate Ray Rinaudo ordered that no conviction be
recorded.
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