The explosive details behind a barrister informing to police on her own clients has hit the spotlight and Lawyers Weekly is following the proceedings closely.
Barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo, the subject of public hearings at the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants
The Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (RCMPI) has kicked off public hearings into the informing of Nicola Gobbo, who was recently exposed after her identity as ‘Lawyer X’ was disclosed in media reporting.
Lawyers Weekly will provide real-time coverage of these public hearings, with a continual stream of updates direct from the commission.
The RCMPI will hear from major players in Victoria Police’s drug squad, Ms Gobbo’s handlers during each of her informing stints, and senior members of police present between 1999 and 2012.
The first witness to be called in this round has been confirmed as an ex-Victoria Police officer, Wayne Strawhorn. In a statement, the RCMPI added: “The evidence of several other current and former members of Victoria Police will follow.”
The commission will examine what transpired between Ms Gobbo and Victoria Police after her registration as a human informer. From what we know so far, Ms Gobbo was acting for several major gangland figures in Victoria who were responsible for several major drug importations. Using her information, Victoria Police arrested and oversaw prosecution of many high-profile criminals, including Tony Mokbel and Carl Williams.
“Here at Lawyers Weekly, we’re very eager to hear what happened behind the Victoria Police closed doors,” said Emma Ryan, editor of Lawyers Weekly.
“Some of the key questions will consider: What were the events that led up to Lawyer X working for Victoria Police and informing on her own clients? How did both Victoria Police and Ms Gobbo handle issues of confidentiality and legal professional privilege?
“And, moreover, what will be the consequences of this royal commission? Will there be convictions overturned, criminals released from behind bars?
“As the commission gets answers to these questions and more, Lawyers Weekly’s live blog will be following along every step of the way.”