Sly of the Underworld laments ‘potential police chief’ leaving the force

Victoria has lost a potential police chief with Stuart Bateson leaving the force, Sly of the Underworld says.

Bateson, who was found guilty of leaking information about a corruption probe, recently had his charges withdrawn on appeal and his penalty set aside.

But Sly told 3AW the damage had been done.

“Unfortunately, it comes too late because his career is over,” he explained.

“He’s left Victoria Police.

“We have lost a potential chief commissioner.”

Sly recalled being told to “keep an eye on” Bateson during the Purana-Underbelly era, because he was a “jet” detective.

“If you remember the Underbelly series … Rodger Corser, the actor, played a character based purely on Stuart Bateson,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear Sly explain