VIC:Child sex charges against Vic cop dropped

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2011
VIC:Child sex charges against Vic cop dropped

By Belinda Merhab

MELBOURNE, April 15 AAP - A police officer who was accused of having sex with a 17-year-old
girl in his care has quit his job after the charges against him were dropped.

Senior Constable Luke Alexander Donoghue, 34, was suspended from Victoria Police without
pay after being charged with procuring a child under supervision or care for sexual penetration
and an indecent act, misconduct in public office and supplying alcohol to a minor.

The offences were alleged to have occurred between September 30 and October 24 last year.

Last month, the Victorian Police Association decided to fund his legal defence.

But in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, Magistrate Peter Reardon struck out
the charges against Mr Donoghue and the prosecution was ordered to pay his costs.

Mr Donoghue smiled as he left the court room.

A spokeswoman for Victoria Police said Mr Donoghue resigned from his job on Friday.

"Victoria Police can confirm that we have received and accepted Mr Donoghue's resignation
as of today," she said.

AAP bm/mn/jl/de

KEYWORD: DONOGHUE

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