A Sydney photographer, Danny Ridley, has been identified as the man accused of stealing items from a victim of the Bondi Beach shooting. The 35-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after detectives linked him to the theft of camera equipment belonging to Peter Meagher, a 61-year-old photographer who was killed in the attack.
Details of the Arrest
Police raided a home in Marayong, in Sydney's west, at approximately 6:30 am on Wednesday and arrested Ridley. He was taken to Riverstone Police Station, where he faced multiple charges, including larceny between $2,000 and $5,000, disposing of stolen property, furnishing false information to a licensee, possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit, and possessing and supplying drugs.
During the raid, police seized a camera, handcuffs, and electronic devices. A subsequent search of a car uncovered a small amount of white crystal powder and additional electronics.
The Alleged Crime
Police allege that Ridley was also a photographer at the Chanukah By the Sea event where Mr. Meagher was fatally shot. It is claimed that Ridley stole Mr. Meagher's camera equipment shortly after the shooting and pawned it days later. Mr. Meagher was one of 15 people killed when Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire at the event on December 14.
Ridley was granted strict conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Blacktown Local Court on 22 June.
Widow's Plea
News of the arrest comes months after Mr. Meagher's wife, Virginia, publicly appealed for the return of her husband's Canon camera. In a Facebook post in March, she wrote: "As you all know, my husband Peter's life was tragically taken at Bondi on 14 December. It is now apparent that someone, other than a known authority, picked up his camera from Archer Park. I would very much like to have his camera returned... If you know anything about the Canon camera (as shown in these images), I'd love to hear from you. Thank you."
Community members expressed outrage and sympathy, with one person commenting: "It's hard to fathom someone would be that low, Virginia – I'm so sorry. I pray that decency prevails and it finds a way back to you." Another added: "That is appalling - sincerely hope they return Peter's camera to you!"
Victim's Background
Peter Meagher, the grandson of Wallabies Hall of Famer Wally Meagher, was a beloved figure at Randwick Rugby Club, where he served as a former first grade team manager. He was also a former NSW police officer and was named the club's volunteer of the year in 2020. His death has left a deep impact on the community.
