Former NSW Officer Acquitted on One Charge, Deadlocked on Others

A Sydney jury has acquitted former New South

A Sydney jury has acquitted former New South Wales police officer David Robert Blackbourne on a single count of indecent assault, while failing to reach a unanimous decision on the remaining sexual offense allegations against him.

The verdict, delivered on Thursday, marks a partial resolution in a case that has drawn significant attention to the conduct of a once-serving law enforcement figure. The acquitted charge involved an act of indecency, but the jury remained deadlocked on several other counts of sexual assault, leaving those matters unresolved for now.

Prosecutors had presented evidence over the course of the trial, alleging that Blackbourne engaged in a series of inappropriate sexual behaviors. The defense, however, consistently maintained his innocence, arguing that the allegations were either fabricated or misconstrued.

Following the announcement, the court was adjourned to

Following the announcement, the court was adjourned to allow both legal teams to consider next steps. The Director of Public Prosecutions will determine whether to pursue a retrial on the hung counts, a decision that could extend the legal saga for the former officer.

Blackbourne, who has been on bail throughout the proceedings, showed little emotion as the verdicts were read. His legal representatives declined to comment outside the courtroom, citing the ongoing nature of the case for the unresolved charges.

Legal experts note that hung juries on multiple counts often lead to retrials, though the outcome may also prompt negotiations or a decision to drop the remaining allegations. For now, the former officer faces an uncertain legal future, balancing the relief of one acquittal against the weight of pending accusations.