Mark Ernest Langford, a former drug squad detective, has recently appeared in court for stealing seized drug money to pay for a gambling binge at SkyCity Casino. Originally, five charges of theft were laid against him, but three were dropped.
The crime took place in 2010, when Langford discovered the access code to the safe in which all seized property was stored. He stole $3200 that was seized during a drug bust, and went on to steal another $400 that had been raised by his colleagues to fund an upcoming social event. He then used the stolen funds to spend the night gambling and drinking at SkyCity Casino.
Leading up to the crime, Langford has experienced a number of hardships. His father had died, his relationship ended and he was diagnosed with cancer. His lawyers maintained that these factors contributed to the decline of his mental health and influenced his recent actions.
"It's one of those situations where you have a man who had an otherwise good career, had performed ably and well,” said lawyer Richard Earwaker in court. "There were a whole series of major personal and professional situations contributing to where he ended up and decisions he made”.
The Crown prosecutor approached the case from another angle. He argued that Langford’s actions have compromised the public perspective of the local police force. Despite his personal issues, his crime still caused caused harm to the community, contributing to increasing scepticism about police officers.
Langford’s crime is one of many recent cases of police disobedience. Over the course of the past three years, more than 70 police officers have been arrested on various charges, including dealing drugs, assault, drunk driving and theft.
The now retired detective will serve 80 hours of community service. He will also be forced to pay reparations for the money that he had stolen from the police department and his colleagues.
