Washing machine repairman Bill Spedding will receive almost $1.5 million in compensation after suing NSW Police over their investigation into William Tyrrell’s disappearance.
On Thursday, Justice Ian Harrison ordered the State of NSW to pay that amount plus interest after Spedding alleged police maliciously pursued him while investigating the disappearance of the three-year-old in September 2014.
His case in the NSW Supreme Court sought compensation for reputational harm and psychological treatment.
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He also sought exemplary damages to punish police for purportedly using the courts for an improper purpose.
Spedding said the charges brought against him “destroyed me and publicly portrayed me as a paedophile.”
“My reputation was severely and permanently damaged. My family life was torn apart. Our grandkids were taken from us, and their lives have also changed forever,” he said.
“No sum of money will restore the life I enjoyed before this terrible nightmare.
“I brought this case to show that police decisions to prosecute must not be taken lightly and, more importantly, must not be taken to achieve some ulterior purpose.
“I was prosecuted for crimes I did not commit, all in the hope that my prosecution would further the police investigation of me as a suspect in the disappearance of William Tyrell.
“This type of conduct engaged in by the prosecuting authorities must be deterred and I hope that Justice Harrison’s decision today helps to achieve this purpose.
“I hope that the mystery surrounding William’s disappearance is solved quickly. And I hope that the incorrect focus upon me as a suspect has not irreparably damaged the prospect of solving this mystery.”
Solicitor Peter O’Brien said Spedding’s case was the worst example of poor policing.
“The impact on Mr Spedding and his family is enormous. Mr Spedding faced charges of the most serious nature which caused him tremendous humiliation, embarrassment, and anxiety,” O’Brien said.
“The case highlights the need for the police to have an open mind to all investigations. The focus on Mr Spedding was myopic and blinkered.
“There was no consideration given to alternatives to his guilt.
“Police closed their minds to the possibility of his innocence, and the focus on him as a suspect distracted them from pursuing other leads in their investigation.
“It was the worst possible example of poor policing, and the damage that can be brought by it.”
Police pursuit
The tradesman was an early high-profile suspect in the disappearance of three-year-old William from a home on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Police searched Spedding’s Bonny Hills home and drained his septic tank in January 2015 but found no evidence linking him to William.
Before being categorically ruled out in both investigations, the tradesman was charged in April 2015 over the historical child abuse claims, spending 56 days in custody and then being released on strict bail conditions.
Spedding’s lawyers claimed a police investigation before Spedding was charged was “done in extreme haste” in three or four weeks.
“The investigation was not in any way professional, careful or proper,” said Spedding’s lawyer Adrian Canceri during closing submissions in August.
Spedding has claimed the anxiety and depression he suffers were caused by the prosecution and the public attention it brought.
Clear evidence emerged that the complainants had been coached by another person to make allegations and another person’s evidence undermined the case, Justice Harrison heard.
The charges were later dropped by prosecutors.
Barrister Adrian Williams, for the State of NSW, said misunderstandings occurred but it didn’t follow that police were acting maliciously.
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