Fig 1. Neptune Security shoving Ms Laidlaw into a paddy wagon on the morning 30 Apr 2024.
Darwin security firm Neptune NT has paid an out-of-court settlement sum to Ms Laidlaw over an alleged assault at Lee Point in April 2024.
Neptune NT were providing security services for Defence Housing Australia (DHA) at the time. DHA asked for Ms Laidlaw to be charged with trespassing. However, police later dropped the charges.
According to Ms. Laidlaw, she entered the rear of the Lee Point site—where no fencing was erected—to ask about the absence of fauna spotters. After following initial directions from a guard to approach a group of workers near a vehicle, she requested to speak with a supervisor or fauna spotter. Without warning three security guards forcefully dragged her to a police vehicle, and shoved her inside, and was then told she was being arrested for trespassing.
Ms. Laidlaw sustained injuries to her arm and shoulder during the alleged assault and was taken to the Palmerston Watch House before being transferred to Palmerston Hospital for X-rays.
Neptune NT initially denied all allegations, maintaining that its personnel acted lawfully at all times.
Quotes:
“I was satisfied with the settlement sum but would have liked a written apology. I hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else.” said Ms. Laidlaw.
Ms. Laidlaw was represented by Darwin-based law firm Hutton and McCarthy.