One of the Northern Territory’s top cops is facing a slew of charges believed to be related to an investigation into a helicopter crash that claimed the life of a TV star.
NT Police Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Mellon, 47, was arrested upon his arrival at work at Darwin Police Station on Thursday morning.
The home he shares with his wife and children was also raided.
Sgt Mellon has been charged with 31 offences, including attempting to pervert the course of justice, stealing and unlawfully accessing data.
His charges also relate to weapons, firearms and wildlife offences, as well as the destruction of evidence in relation to a major crash investigation and obtain benefit by deception.
Outback Wrangler star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson, dies in a crash on February 28 in West Arnhem Land
Pilot, Sebastian Robinson, 28, suffered critical injuries in the crash but survived (pictured is a helicopter flown by Mr Robinson during filming)
Outback Wrangler is a hit adventure television series filmed in remote Top End locations that airs in more than 90 countries. Mr Wilson (centre) was one of three cast members along with Mr Wright (right) and Jono Brown (left)
Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson, the 34-year-old star of National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler was harnessed 30m from a chopper on February 28, collecting crocodile eggs in West Arnhem Land when the aircraft crashed.
The father-of-two was killed in the accident.
It’s understood Sgt Mellon flew to the scene after the crash and retrieved Mr Wilson’s body while off-duty and before other emergency services arrived, The Australian reported.
NT Police Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Mellon, 47, arrived at Darwin police station on Thursday morning where he was arrested
The pilot, Sebastian Robinson, 28, suffered critical injuries in the crash but survived.
NT Police Assistant Commissioner Michael White said some of Sgt Mellon’s charges related to a major crash investigation that began in February this year.
He said police will allege Sgt Mellon’s actions ‘undermined the integrity’ of the NT police force and community.
‘It’s important to recognise that the behaviour of this officer is going to be before the courts and the matter is in relation to the damage and mistrust of his position within the police force,’ he told reporters on Friday.
‘It is a very disappointing, upsetting and frustrating event that has occurred and the wellbeing of all our officers is paramount in this circumstance.’
Sgt Mellon has been suspended without pay. Support has been provided by the police force to him and his family.
The 47-year-old joined the state’s police force in 1995 and was the former officer in charge of the Territory Response Group (TRG), where he is one of the longest serving members, having served 18 years.
He was even called upon to protect the Dalai Lama and Barack Obama when they visited Australia.
Sgt Mellon is currently working as the Darwin watch commander and also worked in Alice Springs and at the Police Training College.
He was gifted an Australian Police Medal in 2019 as part of the Australia Day Honours.
Outback Wrangler is a hit adventure television series filmed in remote Top End locations that airs in more than 90 countries. Mr Wilson was one of three cast members along with host and presenter Matt Wright, and Jono Brown.
Pictured, the scene of a crash which killed Mr Wilson while he was collecting crocodile eggs
The 47-year-old joined the state’s police force in 1995 and was the former officer in charge of the Territory Response Group (TRG) where he is one of the longest serving members, having served 15 years
Former police commissioner Reece Kershaw said at the time he’d been involved in various tactical operations including body retrievals and shootings.
‘He has encountered distressing, stressful and dangerous situations during his career yet acts bravely, and above and beyond what is expected of members of the force,’ Mr Kershaw said.
He was also awarded for ‘outstanding professionalism, bravery and exceptional operational support’ in 2016 for his work in rescuing a tourist who fell from Uluru.
Sgt Mellon has been released on bail and is due to face court on September 22.
Sgt Mellon has been charged with a string of offences including attempting to pervert the course of justice, stealing and unlawfully accessing data
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