A bombshell expert review has accused Victoria Police of engaging in an “overt cover-up” to protect former premier Daniel Andrews in a near-fatal 2013 car crash involving his family SUV and a teenage cyclist. The review, commissioned by the cyclist’s family, paints a starkly different picture of the incident than the official police account, raising serious questions about the integrity of the investigation.
Teenage cyclist Ryan Meuleman was hospitalized in January 2013 after a collision with the Andrews family SUV in the beachside suburb of Blairgowrie. According to police records, the vehicle was being driven by the former premier’s wife, Catherine Andrews, with the couple both insisting the vehicle came to a “complete stop” before turning right and being “t-boned” by Mr. Meuleman’s bike.
However, the new review, conducted by former Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Dr. Raymond Shuey, determined the SUV had likely been “traveling at speed” and had cut the corner before striking the bike. Dr. Shuey, the state’s former Assistant Commissioner for Traffic and Operations, concluded that the police investigation was “deeply flawed”, “unfounded” and “contrary to the available evidence” and that the Andrews’ version of events was “improbable and implausible”.
Dr. Shuey’s report, based on an analysis of FOI documents, witness statements, and his own reconstruction of the incident, found that the crash was “definitely not a low-speed vehicle impact”. He pointed to the fact that the traffic incident system report submitted by police had recorded the vehicle’s driver as “Catherine Louise Kesik” – Ms. Andrews’ maiden name – and accused Victoria Police of engaging in “an overt cover-up to avoid implicating a political figure in a life-threatening crash”.
The review states that “If the vehicle was traveling from a stationary start in Melbourne Road (as stated by Catherine and Daniel Andrews), 27 metres prior to impact, it would not have reached the resultant speed to cause the damage and injuries.” Dr. Shuey concluded that the SUV was likely traveling at between 40km/h and 50km/h at the point of impact, based on the available information, including the fact that the SUV had stopped 19.2m after the point of impact.
The review, which was commissioned by the Meuleman family’s lawyers, who are suing Slater and Gordon for breaching duty of care when they represented Mr. Meuleman, has ignited a storm of controversy. Slater & Gordon has denied the claims and says it will defend the proceedings. The Supreme Court proceeding is scheduled for trial in May 2025. The Andrews’ have also issued a joint statement in response to the review, calling the report “conspiracy theories dressed up as journalism”.
This latest development in the case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the investigation into the 2013 crash. The review’s findings have raised significant questions about the conduct of Victoria Police and the integrity of the original investigation. The case is now set to be heard in the Supreme Court, where the truth surrounding the incident will be rigorously examined. The outcome of this trial could have a profound impact on the public’s perception of the police investigation and the role of politicians in the justice system.
Questions Remain
While Dr. Shuey’s review provides a compelling case for a re-examination of the incident, the truth surrounding the crash remains elusive. The Andrews’ have maintained their innocence, and Victoria Police has stood by its original investigation, but the review has raised enough doubt to warrant further scrutiny.
Inconsistencies in the Investigation
Dr. Shuey identified several inconsistencies in the police investigation, including the fact that the officers who attended the scene did not breathalyse anyone, in breach of standard operating procedures. He also raised questions about why the identity of the driver was initially recorded as Catherine Louise Kesik instead of Catherine Andrews. This inconsistency was deemed “a standout” by Dr. Shuey, who believes it suggests a deliberate attempt to protect a political figure.
Cover-Up Allegations
Dr. Shuey’s report has raised serious allegations of a cover-up to protect a political figure. The report alleges that Victoria Police deliberately omitted crucial evidence from the investigation and failed to follow basic investigative procedures. The police’s failure to verify the identity of the driver has been labelled a “deliberate omission” by Dr. Shuey, who believes that it leaves “the question of who was driving unresolved and in dispute”.
Impact on Ryan Meuleman
The incident has had a profound impact on Ryan Meuleman, who sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. In 2022, he secured an $80,000 compensation payout from the Transport Accident Commission, but he continues to suffer from the physical and psychological effects of the incident. The lawsuit against his former law firm, Slater & Gordon, is an attempt to obtain a larger payout and to hold those responsible for the crash accountable.
The Need for Transparency
The allegations of a cover-up have damaged the public’s trust in Victoria Police and the justice system. The case has also raised broader questions about the relationship between politicians and the police. It is imperative that the Supreme Court trial is conducted fairly and transparently, so that the truth surrounding the incident can be uncovered and the public can have confidence in the judicial process.
A Search for Justice
The case of Ryan Meuleman’s crash has become a battleground for truth and justice. The allegations of a cover-up and the discrepancies in the police investigation have left many questioning the integrity of the justice system and the role of politicians in it. As the case unfolds in the Supreme Court, it will be crucial to examine all the evidence with a critical eye to determine what truly happened on that fateful day in 2013.
