CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses domestic violence and assault.
Despite being charged with almost a dozen domestic violence assault and stalking offences, a Sydney police officer has stayed on the job, including playing for a police rugby league team at the league championships last week.
As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Brendan Oxford, 35, was charged last year with eight counts of domestic-violence-related common assault, two counts of stalking or intimidating intending fear of physical harm, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Ten of the charges involve one alleged victim, with an additional domestic violence assault charge against one of her relatives.
He is also accused of using the police database to look up information on his alleged victim.
The publication reported his father is renowned former NSW detective Russell Oxford, who retired from NSW Police in 2021 after a four-decade-long career.
Brendan is stationed in various commands across Sydney’s west. According to a spokesperson for NSW Police, he is now assigned to restricted station-based duties. Additionally, his access to firearms has been withdrawn, and his use of internal NSW Police Force databases is under supervision, per the SMH.
“The decision whether to suspend an officer is based on a risk assessment, and that decision rests with the relevant delegate,” the spokesperson said.
The officer’s alleged offences are said to have taken place across three years and in three different locations, including four counts of accessing or modifying restricted data held in a computer after looking up a series of people, car registrations and addresses.
Brendan has pleaded guilty to one count of accessing or modifying restricted data and the charges will be heard at Windsor court on July 7.
He has entered a not guilty plea to the remaining 14 charges. His domestic-violence-related charges have been partly heard, with proceedings slated to continue in Blacktown court on May 30.
Last week, social media footage surfaced of Brendan representing the Penrith police rugby league team in the annual police rugby league state championships in Newcastle. He was filmed leading the team’s chant in the locker room after one of the games.
A NSW Police spokesperson told the SMH that Brendan was on annual leave during the competition, explaining all current employees of the force can participate in NSW Police Force sporting clubs.
“Most clubs are open to current, retired, and disengaged staff,” they stated.
Last month, it was announced NSW Police Force will undergo an independent review helmed by Kristen Hilton, the former Victorian equal opportunity and human rights commissioner.
The 12-month probe follows numerous reports of an insidious “boys club”, including instances where officers have allegedly ranked their female colleagues and not acted appropriately.
The review won’t look into specific instances of harassment and sexual assault allegations, rather it will be led by anonymous interviews with people within the force, whilst internal policies and procedures are reviewed.
An initial report is expected at the end of 2025 and the review’s findings and recommendations will be made public.
Lead image: Sydney Morning Herald
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