Photographer silent over Bondi victim theft charges
Updated . First published at
A man accused of stealing a camera from one of the Bondi massacre victims has refused to answer questions after facing court for the first time.
Danny James Ridley was present moments before gunmen opened fire on a crowd of people celebrating Hannukah at Bondi Beach on December 14.
Peter Meagher, a former police officer and Randwick Rugby volunteer and manager, was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event when he was shot during the Bondi Beach terror attack. Supplied
The 35-year-old is accused of using the chaotic aftermath of the alleged terror attack to steal a set of camera equipment worth $3500.
The gear belonged to 61-year-old Peter Meagher, a retired police officer who was one of 15 people killed in the attack at the Jewish festival of lights.
NSW Police allege Ridley pawned the equipment - which was later recovered - along with an SD card containing Meagher’s last photographs, from a home in Sydney’s northwest.
Danny James Ridley allegedly stole the camera gear amid the attack. LinkedIn
The photographer faced Blacktown Local Court for the first time on Monday.
His solicitor Andrew Dikha asked for the case to be adjourned for four weeks and transferred to Waverley Local Court.
Ridley will return to court on July 22, when he is expected to enter pleas.
He has been charged with larceny, disposing of stolen property and furnishing false information.
Ridley has also been hit with firearm and drug charges after police allegedly found handcuffs, a small white crystalline powder that was allegedly meth, and electronics at his home.
Danny James Ridley is on bail. Nine
He is on bail and remained silent while walking through a group of reporters outside court.
In May, Meagher’s widow Virginia said the return of her husband’s camera was a miracle after months of inquiries.
“My message to the police is thank you for your diligence, your persistence,” she said at the time.
“The last little piece of him is being returned.”
Meagher, a beloved figure at Randwick Rugby Club, had also been working as a photographer at the religious celebration when he was fatally shot.
Naveed Akram has been charged with murder and terrorism offences over the massacre, while his father and fellow gunman Sajid was fatally shot by police.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in NSW
Boxing coach’s shooting death not linked to gang feud, but police probe bikie links
Accounting boss among five charged over alleged ‘ghost car’ fraud
Alan Jones accuser ‘revolted’ at alleged groping, Peter FitzSimons tells trial
Worker fighting for life after being crushed by ride-on roller on major Sydney road
