West Coast Eagles legend Dean Laidley arrested on stalking charge, photos leaked to social media showing star in women’s clothes and blonde wig

Inaugural West Coast Eagle Dean Laidley is behind bars after being charged with a series of offences including stalking. The 53-year-old former North Melbourne coach was arrested in St Kilda on Saturday night after police were called to an incident outside a residence about 9pm. Photos of Mr Laidley wearing a wig and female clothing at the time of his arrest emerged as news broke of his arrest. The West Australian has been told the premiership player also allegedly demanded to be called Daniella while being interviewed at the police station. Victoria Police last night confirmed an investigation had been launched into the dissemination of the images, including one from his official police file, on social media. Leading Senior Constable Adam West confirmed the Professional Standards Command had been notified. The image is taken from outside the interview room and is not from the formal interview process. Mr Laidley, a father of three, was arrested and charged with stalking and other matters. Friends of Mr Laidley told The West they were aware of rumours of him cross-dressing and that they were also aware he was using the drug ice. He faced the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court yesterday but did not apply for bail. Mr Laidley is due to reappear at court next Monday. Victoria Police said as the matter was before the court it would be inappropriate to comment. Victoria’s leading civil liberties advocate last night blasted the leaked photographs of Laidley. “The images circulating of a high-profile arrest today are a deplorable breach of privacy,” Liberty Victoria tweeted. “The transphobic overtones only serve to make the breach even more egregious.” “Not good enough VictoriaPolice: we are watching,” the council wrote. “Please deal with this unacceptable incident swiftly and properly.” Kangaroos teammate Corey McKernan last night used social media to wish Mr Laidley well. “Thoughts with a premiership brother tonight. No idea what’s happened or what’s lead (sic) to this but thoughts with you Laids, along with the Shinboner family,” McKernan wrote. Mr Laidley’s lawyer, Dee Giannopoulos from Doogue and George, blasted the leaking of the pictures of her client, saying she was “outraged” they had been taken “on the sly”. “Outraged that pictures of my client, taken by some police officer, on the sly, when in custody in interview have hit the media. Typical,” she wrote. Lawyer Bill Doogue added: “Disgraceful. Taking photos unlawfully and sharing them. And these were sneaky photos while in police interview in police station by a police officer.” Mr Laidley, who now lives in the Melbourne suburb of Moonee Ponds, played in the Kangaroos’ 1996 premiership team and then went on to coach the club from 2003 to 2009. He played 151 AFL games for West Coast and North Melbourne. His 6½-year coaching stint at the Kangaroos ended with him resigning during the 2009 season.