POLICE have charged a security consultant with public mischief after an investigation into allegations a listening device was planted in the New Zealand rugby union team’s meeting room in a Sydney hotel before a Test match.
New South Wales state police issued a statement saying the 51-year-old man, who worked for the New Zealand team, would appear in court on March 21.
New Zealand management discovered the listening device on Monday, August 15, but reportedly did not notify police for five days, with the news emerging on the morning of the Bledisloe Cup match against Australia.
At the time, New Zealand Rugby said a device similar to that used by law enforcement and spy agencies was found in a chair in the room, which was being used for tactical and planning discussions. New Zealand won the match 42-8.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said in a statement that the charge seemed “bizarre and unbelievable”. He described the man who was charged as "someone who is trusted and well respected by us”.
Hansen added: “However, as with all cases before the courts, there has to be a due process ... and it is not right or proper for us to make any further comment as this could jeopardise the outcome of the case.”
The man has been identified as Adrian Gard, a director of Brisbane-based security and investigations company Bodyguards International. The company has worked for the All Blacks in Australia for more than 10 years and has had other high-profile clients including former US president Bill Clinton, Tiger Woods and Oprah Winfrey.
Gard could face up to 12 months in prison if convicted.
Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver said: “The ARU and the Wallabies were never accused of any wrongdoing. However, it was still important that this matter reached a conclusion to provide complete reassurance to all fans that the organisation and the team had no part in any of this.”
“There may be some questions that remain but certainly today’s news is welcome news that an individual has been called to account over this incident.”
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