Case Overview
WA Police Assistant Commissioner Gailene Sharron Hamilton is on trial in Perth Magistrates Court, accused of stalking a subordinate female officer and illegally using a restricted police computer system to track her location.
Charges
- One count of pursuing another person to intimidate, alleged to have occurred between January and April 2025.
- Four counts of unlawfully using a computer system, alleged to have occurred in 2024 and 2025.
Hamilton has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
"A story of a friendship gone wrong." — Prosecutor James Bennett
Alleged Conduct
Prosecutor James Bennett told the court the case is a "story of a friendship gone wrong." The two officers became friends in late 2023 and early 2024, communicating via text and phone calls, and eventually exchanging home visits.
The complainant said visits by Hamilton became frequent and intrusive. On January 8, 2024, the complainant asked Hamilton to stop contacting her, but messages, calls, and emails allegedly continued, with only some being work-related. The complainant reported feeling fear, anxiety, and distress.
After the complainant spoke to an inspector, work-related communications were redirected through him, and the complainant felt better.
In May 2025 — by then promoted to assistant commissioner — Hamilton allegedly attended a work conference and visited the complainant's office unannounced, pressuring her to "catch up."
Computer System Misuse
Hamilton is accused of using the SILVA computer system, which has a "locate" function to track officers while at work, on four occasions to check the complainant's location without authorization.
The senior officer allegedly used a restricted police database to track the subordinate's whereabouts.
Complainant's Testimony
The complainant described feeling uncomfortable with the friendship due to the power imbalance — Hamilton being a superintendent at the time — and having seen officers treated poorly when disliked. She eventually told Hamilton she felt "smothered" and compared the dynamic to a relationship. Hamilton reportedly cried.
After the complainant rejected an offer to stay at Hamilton's home during a temporary transfer, she said many messages followed. She sent a message stating, "Please stop contacting me," but contact allegedly continued.
Defense Position
Hamilton's lawyer, Andrew Culshaw, said his client was attempting to contact the woman in relation to the breakdown of their friendship. He said the complainant was "overwhelmed by the defendant and was trying to distance herself."
Legal Context
The complainant's identity has been suppressed for legal reasons. Hamilton has been stood down from her position as assistant commissioner.