Victoria Police have stood down a male senior constable for leaking photos of former North Melbourne coach and premiership player Dean Laidley.
The images -- which appear to have been taken at a police station following Laidley's arrest for stalking, and other matters, on Saturday evening -- show Laidley dressed in make-up and wearing a blonde wig.
On Monday morning, Victoria Police released a statement claiming they were taking the matter seriously and referring it to the Professional Standards Command, following a Tweet from Laidley's defence lawyer Dee Giannopoulos which stated: "Outraged that pictures of my client, taken by some police officer, on the sly, when in custody in interview have hit the media. Typical #grossbreachofprivacy."
Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton later declared the leak "appalling and unacceptable" before Victoria Police announced they had suspended an officer without pay for sharing the private photos on social media.
#BREAKING: Former North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley is in custody tonight. @LanaMurphy #9News pic.twitter.com/DkCCOpxMfB
— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) May 3, 2020
The constable is expected to be charged on summons and could face up to two years in jail for the offence.
Since Laidley's arrest in St Kilda on Saturday evening, he has reportedly fronted a magistrate but made no application for bail. Nine News reports he will remain in custody until May 11.
Laidley played 151 games during his playing career at North Melbourne and West Coast. He coached the Kangaroos from 2003 to 2009.