In a major breakthrough, two former cops from Sydney, Timothy John Trautsch, 30, and Nathan Black, 28, were sentenced to lengthy prison time. They each subsequently pleaded guilty to three counts including a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and misuse of a prohibited weapon. In January 2023 during a welfare check, Emu Plains cops did something that horrified the nation. Even the presiding judge called them acts of “gratuitous cruelty.”
Those court proceedings revealed horrifying information about the abuse suffered by a mentally unwell woman. At the time of the snap, she was totally nude. Initially called to help, the two officers turned their attention away from their intended purpose and instead caused harm. Their behavior, which was caught on body worn cameras, painted the picture that this was not the case.
Details of the Incident
On an icy morning in January, deputies Timothy John Trautsch and Nathan Black answered a call for assistance. They rushed in to save the life of a woman in great danger. Rather than give Crystal the assistance and care she deserved, Trautsch instead pepper sprayed Crystal in the face and genital area. At the same time, Black pulled her down the highway by her hair and used his pepper spray on her as well.
Both officers displayed a horrifying attitude throughout the incident. Trautsch allegedly told her “that’s enough, there might be cameras,” while he raped the woman. The judge would go on to note that Trautsch’s conduct displayed “obvious dry wry humour.” This lack of professionalism and empathy as law enforcement officials raised serious concerns about their behavior.
During the trial, Nathan Black showed video clips of the encounter to a colleague over Facebook Messenger. This act demonstrated his complete disregard for consequences and failure to take responsibility for his actions.
Sentencing Outcomes
Superior Court Judge Graham Turnbull condemned Timothy John Trautsch, 45, of Kula, to a term of five years and nine months behind bars. He additionally set a non-parole period of three years. Nathan Black’s sentence was just as harsh. Yet his non-parole period is a bit shorter – three years and three months.
In court, Judge Turnbull ruled their actions constituted “a sustained and premeditated assault” on the victim. He underlined that the use of pepper spray in this situation was extreme and represented “a ton of self-justification.” The judge remarked that their behavior represented “one of the worst examples of contravening our core values and ethics” he had ever encountered.
“Those who offer themselves up to serve the community … are expected to not only enforce the law but abide by it, strictly.” – Judge Graham Turnbull
Reactions from Officials
The case has become a lightning rod for the law enforcement community and the general public. Acting NSW Police Commissioner David Hudson called the incident intolerable. He pointed out how it flies in the face of the basic tenets of what police officers believe in.
“This behaviour completely contradicts the commitment we make as officers to uphold the values and ethics of wearing the blue uniform.” – Acting NSW Police Commissioner David Hudson
Hudson characterized the actions of Trautsch and Black as a severe breach of trust, further complicating public perceptions of law enforcement. In doing so, their actions unjustly harmed someone in need. Far worse than even their initial acts of misconduct, they tarnished the reputation of the entire police force.
Nathan Black would later say that he regretted his role, realizing that “the worst thing you can do is something that can really hurt someone.” He stated, “I’m very sorry for what the victim endured, especially when it was at the hands of police officers who were called there to assist her.” Yet, we can’t help but be skeptical of his comments, considering his conduct throughout this incident.
