The son of former New South Wales premier and federal senator Kristina Keneally has been found guilty of fabricating evidence that led to a man being wrongfully imprisoned for three weeks.
Daniel Keneally, 25, a police officer, was convicted in the Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday. Magistrate Rodney Brender rejected claims by Keneally's lawyer that the false statement was an honest mistake.
The case stemmed from a February 2021 incident when Keneally was working a night shift at Newtown police station. Luke Brett Moore called the station, and Keneally wrote a statement that included falsehoods, resulting in Moore's arrest and detention for three weeks.
However, Moore, an activist and founder of ISuepolice, had recorded the conversation on his phone without Keneally's knowledge. The recording revealed significant discrepancies with Keneally's account, including an alleged threat to kill a police officer that never occurred.
Magistrate Brender said the conversation as recorded by Keneally 'just didn't happen' and that there was no basis to suggest anyone else influenced his memory. Keneally knew the statement could be used in court and would mislead tribunals.
Keneally remains on bail and will be sentenced on December 21. His lawyer, Paul McGirr, stated outside court that they respect the decision but will appeal, asserting that Keneally never wilfully included false information.
