Danny James Ridley: Man denies stealing camera from Bondi Beach terror attack victim Peter Meagher
A man has denied a raft of offences including stealing the camera equipment of one of the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack in the tragic aftermath.
A photographer has denied using the chaotic aftermath of the Bondi Beach mass shooting to steal valuable camera equipment from one of the deceased victims.
Danny James Ridley formally entered pleas of not guilty to seven charges in the Waverley Local Court on Wednesday, including stealing $3500 worth of photographic gear from Peter Meagher.
Ridley was present moments before gunmen opened fire on a crowd of people celebrating Hannukah at Bondi Beach on December 14.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 35-year-old is accused of using the ensuing chaos to steal the camera equipment of 61-year-old Mr Meagher, a retired police officer who was one of 15 people killed in the attack at the Jewish festival.
Police allege Ridley pawned the equipment - which was later recovered - along with an SD card containing Mr Meagher’s last photographs.
Ridley’s lawyer Andrew Dikha told the court some charges might be resolved through further communication with prosecutors.
He has also been hit with firearm and drug charges after police allegedly found handcuffs and a small white crystalline powder that was allegedly meth.
He will return to court on September 23.
In May, Mr Meagher’s widow Virginia said the return of her husband’s camera was a miracle after months of inquiries.
“My message to the police is thank you for your diligence, your persistence,” she said at the time.
“The last little piece of him is being returned.”
Mr Meagher, a beloved figure at Randwick Rugby Club, had also been working as a photographer at the religious celebration when he was fatally shot.
Naveed Akram has been charged with murder and terrorism offences over the massacre, while his father and fellow gunman Sajid was fatally shot by police.
