NZ police officer David Brooke charged with indecently assaulting teen in Australia named

New Zealand police officer and senior football referee David Brooke, 66, who is facing indecent assault charges in Australia. Photo / Auckland Football Federation

A New Zealand police officer and senior football referee who is facing an indecent assault charge in Australia has been named.

The 66-year-old accused is Kiwi man David Brooke, The Canberra Times reported.

The Herald understands that Brooke is still serving as a sergeant with the Investigation Support Unit in Auckland. He is associated with Northern Regional Football - and was in Australia for the Kanga Cup, which is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest youth football competition.

Northern Region Football said in a statement that it yesterday became “aware of reports of a senior referee being charged with one count of indecency against a young person under special care at the Kanga Cup held in Canberra”.

“Everyone’s safety while participating in football is our priority, and we are in contact with NRF officials at the Kanga Cup and their whānau, to check on them and offer our support,” NRF said.

It has been alleged the incident happened during “team building activities” prior to a national football tournament in Canberra where he was refereeing.

Brooke appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court in Canberra yesterday.

A New Zealand Police spokesperson told the Herald: “We have no comment to make at this time, this is a matter for ACT Police.”

Police Minister Ginny Andersen did not comment on the matter when approached by the Herald this morning stating this was an operational matter.

In a statement, ACT Police said it received reports on Tuesday of incidents during team-building activities conducted prior to the tournament.

ACT Police allege the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, with several people witnessing it.

ACT Police said officers arrested the New Zealand man at the accommodation he was staying at.

He has been charged with one count of indecency against a young person under special care.

The Kiwi man appeared in court wearing a grey jacket with the Kanga Cup 2023 logo, ABC reported.

He was granted bail and his case is due to return to court on July 31.

In a statement to the Canberra Times, Football Australia said it was aware of the incident and the safety and welfare of the football community was a priority.

“Football Australia has mechanisms in place to provide thorough support to our members, as has been the case over the course of this week,” it said.

“With this matter still before the courts, it is not appropriate to provide any further comment on this incident at this time.”