Security scare at Kirribilli
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 07 Apr 2008: 5.
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Abstract
A QUEENSLAND man who caused a security scare at the Governor-General’s official Sydney residence in Kirribilli after he jumped from a passing ferry, swam ashore and jumped into the G-G’s pool, was last night charged by police.
“He jumped off the ferry and started swimming,” he said. “The maritime police tried to corner him and lasso him.”
Not everyone took the incident seriously. Karen Haacke, who watched it in its entirety, spoke approvingly. “He gave the `V’ sign and climbed over the wall. It was great,” she said.
Full Text
A QUEENSLAND man who caused a security scare at the Governor-General’s official Sydney residence in Kirribilli after he jumped from a passing ferry, swam ashore and jumped into the G-G’s pool, was last night charged by police.
The man is alleged to have swum 600m to Admiralty House after jumping into Sydney Harbour from a Manly ferry and dodging four police boats before making it to shore yesterday afternoon.
Governor-General Michael Jeffery and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, whose official Sydney residence Kirribilli House is next door, were home at the time of theincident.
Footage screened on the Seven Network’s news last night showed the 45-year-old, from Townsville, dressed only in black swimmers, cheerfully waving to onlookers and posing for pictures before entering the property.
NSW Police said the man then dived into a pool in the grounds before being directed out by police. “He complied and was arrested,” a spokesman said.
A journalist from Australian Associated Press, who was a witness, said the man had jumped off the ferry just before 3pm.
“He jumped off the ferry and started swimming,” he said. “The maritime police tried to corner him and lasso him.”
He said the man climbed a wall and was in the grounds of the Governor-General’s residence for about 10 minutes before being apprehended.
Another witness, Brad Seymour, said those who observed the event had been surprised at how far the man got before he was detained. “In all seriousness, thequestion has to be asked: where was the security?” he said.
Not everyone took the incident seriously. Karen Haacke, who watched it in its entirety, spoke approvingly. “He gave the `V’ sign and climbed over the wall. It was great,” she said.
The man was questioned at North Sydney Police Station and charged with entering enclosed lands. He was released after being ordered to appear at North Sydney Local Court on April 29.