Ray Hadley’s police officer son admitted to mental health clinic following drug bust
Broadcaster Ray Hadley has revealed that his police officer son has been checked into a health clinic after his mental health struggles came to light following a drug possession charge.
The 2BG radio broadcaster’s senior constable son was arrested at the Australian Hotel and Brewery in Rouse Hill on Friday, after officers allegedly found cocaine on him.
"Last night my son Daniel, as you all know, was arrested in possession of 0.79 of a gram of cocaine, worth about $200," Hadley told reporters at a press conference held on the weekend.
“When I was first told, I was both angry and perplexed.
"I had no idea that my son, a respected police officer, would be involved in such a matter."
The 28-year-old was granted conditional bail and has been charged with possession of a prohibited drug.
The police officer has since been suspended from duty and his employment status is being reviewed.
At the press conference, Ray Hadley emotionally revealed that his son has been battling mental struggles and has been checked into a support clinic.
"I brought Daniel back home and my anger turned to shock and sadness," he said.
"My son, during long conversations late into the night and early in the morning, revealed he's been battling mental health issues for quite some time.
"He's also been away from work for months having dislocated his knee and waiting for an operation on a hernia.
'"The serious nature of the illness is such that he’s been admitted already today to a clinic to deal with it – it is a very serious problem."
While talking with his son, Ray discovered that Daniel had been seeing his GP about his mental health without his family’s knowledge.
Ray said: “I’m not a medical professional and I won’t guess the nature of his illness but I will tell you it’s very serious and his family, me, his mum, sisters, aunts and uncles are very concerned.
“I’m sure with expert medical advice he can recover from where he is now.”
While Ray said Daniel's criminal charges were “a matter for the courts”, he appealed for everyone to consider the “things he’s dealt with over the last seven years as a police officer”.
"All the time his colleagues and I thought he was coping and he obviously hasn't been coping.
"Daniel accepts responsibility for his behaviour but unfortunately he's not in control of his mental health.
"I now know how many parents feel when they think things are okay but they're not. I feel particularly inadequate as a father and as a spokesperson for 'R U OK?’ Day, when in fact my own son is not okay.
"This is going to be a long, slow process for my son. I love him dearly and I wish to God that he'd come to me before this morning to tell me what he was battling."