Off-Duty Police Officer Avoids Conviction After Incident at Shoal Bay Country Club

Magistrate Gregory Moore recognized Adam John Nichols's remorse and prior good character, which persuaded him to deal with Nichols without recording a conviction. Nichols, a six-year veteran of the NSW Police Force, became embroiled in an argument at the Shoal Bay Country Club on December 28 last year. The incident escalated, resulting in Nichols and his partner, Alana Hampshire, being "forcibly removed" by security. Hampshire pleaded guilty to common assault, and all three family members were placed on a conditional release order without conviction.

Key Takeaways:

• Adam John Nichols, a 41-year-old off-duty police officer, avoided conviction for being an excluded person who failed to leave premises when required due to his prior good character and remorse.
• Nichols, a six-year veteran of the NSW Police Force, became involved in an argument at the Shoal Bay Country Club on December 28 last year, which escalated into a physical confrontation.
• Nichols was forced to be removed from the club by security, with Alana Hampshire, his partner, also involved in the altercation.
• Hampshire pleaded guilty to common assault for pushing a security guard during the incident.
• The trio was placed on a conditional release order without conviction, with Nichols's position as a police officer and the severity of the incident taken into account.
• Nichols apologized in court, expressing his deep embarrassment and acknowledging his responsibility in the incident.
• Magistrate Gregory Moore stated that Nichols was "no stranger to the criminal justice system," highlighting the officer's prior involvement with the law.
• The incident occurred in the early hours of December 28 last year in the club's poker machine room.
• Three other men were involved in the argument that led to the confrontation between Nichols, Hampshire, and security.
• Hampshire's son, Charlie Hampshire, was also present and intervened when security tried to physically remove him.

Statistics:

• 12:55 am: Time when the argument between Nichols, Hampshire, and the other group of men started in the poker machine room.
• 3 men: Number of men involved in the argument with Nichols and the Hampshires.
• 1 security guard: Number of people physically pushed by Hampshire during the altercation.
• 6 years: Length of time Nichols has been a member of the NSW Police Force.
• 2 people: Number of family members (Nichols, Hampshire, and her son) who received a conditional release order without conviction.

Sources:

• Court documents and statements from Raymond Terrace Local Court
• A report by Sam Rigney