An investigation could be launched after photos of former North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley wearing a wig and makeup during a police interview were leaked online.
The 53-year-old has been remanded in custody on one count of stalking after he was arrested in St Kilda on Sunday night.
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Laidley reportedly arrested
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He remains behind bars after not applying for bail with further charges to be revealed at a court hearing on May 11.
“Police arrested a 53-year-old man on Saturday 2 May in relation to an incident outside (an) address in St Kilda about 9pm,” Victoria Police said in a statement on Sunday.
“He was charged with stalking and other matters.
“The Moonee Ponds man was held over to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today, Sunday 3 May.
“He was remanded to appear at the same court on 11 May.
Laidley’s lawyer, Dee Giannopolous, blasted the release of the images, which also included a police profile shot, on Twitter.
They appeared to have been taken from inside the police interview room where, according to the West Australia, Laidley demanded to be called ‘Daniella’.
“Outraged that pictures of my client, taken by some police officer, on the sly, when in custody in interview have hit the media. Typical,” Giannopolous tweeted.
Lawyer Bill Doogue added: “Disgraceful. Taking photos unlawfully and sharing them. And these were sneaky photos while in Police interview in Police Station by a Police Officer.”
“Police should investigate and those involved pull down immediately.”
Victoria’s leading civil liberties advocate also slammed the leaked images.
“The images circulating of a high-profile arrest today are deplorable breach of privacy,” Liberty Victoria tweeted.
“The transphobic overtones only serve to make the breach even more egregious.
“Not good enough @VictoriaPolice: we are watching,” the council wrote.
“Please deal with this unacceptable incident swiftly & properly. “
The father of three’s former manager, Ricky Nixon, tweeted: “Guess who’s the least surprised person in Aust. on Dean Laidley — if only the media knew what I knew”.
He later added that Laidley had confided in him regularly during the 15 years he managed him.
Laidley played 151 games for West Coast and North Melbourne, then coaching the Kangaroos for six and a half seasons. He won the 1996 premiership as a player.