Police have arrested and charged a 35-year-old man over the theft of camera equipment belonging to Peter Meagher, a 61-year-old retired police officer and victim of the 2023 Bondi terror attack.
The suspect, a photographer who was also present at the event, has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court in June.
Incident and Charges
According to police, Danny James Ridley, 35, allegedly stole camera equipment from Peter Meagher following the attack on December 14, 2023. Police allege Ridley pawned the equipment for $800. The camera and an SD card containing photographs taken by Meagher at the Hanukah event have since been recovered.
On April 10, 2024, police executed a search warrant at a property in Marayong, in Sydney's west. During the search, they seized a camera, handcuffs, electronic devices, and a small amount of white crystal powder.
Ridley was arrested and taken to Riverstone Police Station. He has been charged with the following offences:
- Larceny
- Disposing of stolen property
- Multiple drug and weapon offences
Legal Proceedings
Ridley was granted strict conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear before Blacktown Local Court on June 22, 2024.
Background
The attack occurred on December 14, 2023, when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukah event, killing 15 people. Peter Meagher, 61, a retired New South Wales police officer of 35 years and a freelance photographer, was among the victims. His widow, Virginia, issued a public appeal in March 2024 for information about the missing camera.
Perpetrator Sajid Akram, 50, was shot and killed by police. His son, Naveed Akram, was injured, arrested, and faces murder and terrorism charges.