SA: McKenney to remain as host of Adelaide police Tattoo

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2008
SA: McKenney to remain as host of Adelaide police Tattoo

ADELAIDE, April 30 AAP - Entertainer Todd McKenney will remain as host of Adelaide's
International Police Tattoo, police say.

South Australian police considered dumping McKenney, who is facing drug possession
charges, from the role.

But SA Police Commissioner Mal Hyde said today McKenney would host and perform at the
tattoo in Adelaide from Friday to Sunday.

Police held discussions with McKenney on his arrival in Adelaide last night.

"Mr McKenney's arrest and charges in New South Wales are serious matters and his situation
presented us with a difficult problem to resolve," Mr Hyde said.

"SA Police does not condone illicit drug use in any shape or form - that said, the
current facts of this situation are NSW Police are investigating the incident and the
substance in question has not yet been analysed.

"Mr McKenney has also publicly declared his intent to vigorously defend himself against
the allegations and it is not possible to predict the outcome.

"Mr McKenney has been engaged as an entertainer, he is not representing SA Police,
so we need to view his involvement with the tattoo within that context.

"We also have considered that many people have bought their tickets in good faith to
see Mr McKenney."

Mr Hyde said McKenney's appearance at the tattoo "should not be regarded as either
public or tacit support" from police for the entertainer.

McKenney was charged with drug possession after he was found unconscious in a park
in Sydney's Rushcutters Bay last Friday afternoon.

McKenney, the original Boy from Oz star, has vowed to fight the charges, saying his
drink was spiked.

Reports have claimed he had up to 10 doses of the illegal drug GHB, or fantasy, on
him when found, and had been partying until the early hours of the morning.

He is scheduled to appear in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on May 16.

AAP sl/imc/jlw/

KEYWORD: MCKENNEY TATTOO

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