Senior Constable Huy Quach has been living a sordid double life that is shocking spectators as it unfolds in court. A 20 year old woman suffering from bipolar disorder in her victim impact statement presented to the County Court, accused the constable of exploiting her sexually and of using his public office to intimidate her.
Prosecutor Ray Elston, SC, said that in July 2007, after police conducted a welfare check on the woman, who had bipolar disorder, Quach began to harass the woman using her ailment and his position of power. The victim said, “Having been emotionally unwell…Mr Quach’s failure to acknowledge the boundaries between my private life and his public duty have had ongoing consequences.”
Quach, a former officer at Box Hill station in Melbourne pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in public office. More of his offences have come to light. In 2004 he raped a woman he was in a relationship with and he was also a rampant drug user, continually encouraging others - mostly young women he approached in nightclubs - to partake and driving them around while under the influence.
Judge Meryl Sexton said for more than three years Quach had been living “deep in the bowels” of nightclubs. While sentencing Quach in April she said, “You used cocaine as freely as water, introducing and encouraging many others, mostly young women, also to use it, and flaunted your status as a police officer, who, in contrast to your behaviour, was sworn to uphold the law…You were also using cocaine at other premises and also using and giving out ecstasy…You were a train careering out of control about to become a wreck.”
Quach was charged with rape and drug offences and another charge of misconduct in public office. Sexton jailed Quach in April to serve eight years and three months' jail, with a non-parole period of five years. He was acquitted by a jury of another count of rape and other sexual offences were withdrawn. Geoffrey Steward, for Quach, said his client admitted his misbehaviour and was remorseful.
Judge Sexton will further sentence Quach today.
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