Sydney Cop Faces Consequences for Pulling Gun Over Top Gun: Maverick Spoilers
In a bizarre turn of events at a Sydney police station, Constable Dominic Gaynor, 30, has been handed a two-year good behaviour bond and a conviction for pointing his gun at a colleague who threatened to spoil the ending of Top Gun: Maverick.
The incident occurred at Day Street Police Station in May, where Probationary Constable Morgan Royston, 26, threatened to reveal the movie's plot.
Gaynor's response, captured in court documents, was a mix of laughter and a stern warning: "Don't spoil the movie, c***. I'll shoot you." Taking the situation lightly, he then took out his Glock, pointing it at Royston for five seconds, with his finger on the receiver, not the trigger.
Despite the laughter, Royston, who has since left the force, faced emotional turmoil following the incident, expressing in court that the incident led to depression and a loss of admiration and trust in the NSW Police Force.
In Downing Centre Local Court, Magistrate Michael Maher acknowledged the "power imbalance" between Gaynor and his junior colleague. While Gaynor's lawyer, Chris Micali, argued it was a case of "skylarking and tomfoolery" gone wrong, the magistrate stressed the significant responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm.
The court heard that a conviction would likely lead to Gaynor's removal from the police force. Despite positive character references and claims of no malicious intent, the community's trust in armed police officers played a crucial role in the court's decision.
Gaynor, who pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm with disregard for safety, was sentenced to a two-year Community Corrections Order, 100 hours of community service, and a recorded conviction.
NSW Police confirmed Gaynor's suspension without pay, marking a costly consequence for what started as an ill-conceived attempt at workplace banter.
