Apology In Crypt Case Sought As Report Freed (Press, 28 October 1977)

In a press statement on 27 October 1977, Mr J. A. Walding expressed his disappointment at the lack of an apology from either the police or Detective Senior-Sergeant I. F. Hastings regarding the incidents surrounding the "Crypt affair," which had caused significant embarrassment to him and his family. Walding's remarks followed the release of a report from senior magistrate Mr J. A. Wicks, who had conducted an inquiry into allegations against Hastings, finding him guilty of conduct that brought discredit to the police. Hastings, aged 33, was fined $40, although he has appealed the decision. Walding noted that evidence presented at the inquiry demonstrated that Hastings had facilitated a meeting between Walding and two transvestites by using a police car to transport them to the Crypt cabaret. This action led to embarrassment, as Walding was unaware that police were involved and worried that a police report about his presence at the cabaret could tarnish his reputation. Walding's explanation revealed he had entered the Crypt after drinking at a local tavern, believing it to be a respectable establishment, and was approached by a person he initially took to be a woman, later revealed to be a transvestite. Mr Wicks' report clarified that the incident was an accumulation of coincidences rather than premeditated actions. Walding was not engaged in any misconduct during his time at the Crypt, and his presence there was deemed not discreditable, considering the lack of clear indications of the cabaret's reputation. Wicks also mentioned that Hastings had previously encountered one of the transvestites in a police context, which influenced his decision to investigate further. Hastings, accompanied by two trainee detectives, had sought to ascertain the identity of Walding after learning about a potential connection to the transvestites. Although Hastings did orchestrate the meeting, he believed it was necessary to confirm the transvestite's claims and maintain the integrity of Walding’s reputation. However, this resulted in an unfortunate public scandal for Walding. The inquiry further revealed complications involving a freelance photographer, Kenneth Charles McNally, who had taken a photograph of Walding at the Crypt. The incident escalated when transvestites believed McNally was harassing them, leading to a scuffle that resulted in the loss of the film he had on him. Wicks concluded that Hastings’ intentions to discredit the transvestite were misguided and ultimately led to a scandal that reflected poorly on the police. In summary, the investigation highlighted procedural failings within the police and raised significant concerns about misconduct that led to public embarrassment for a former politician, while also revealing tensions within the interactions between police and the local LGBTQ+ community.

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