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23-year-old trainee cop posted 'disgusting' message before being charged with sex crimes against teenage boy
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A trainee cop who has been accused of sexually abusing a teenage boy allegedly posted a disturbing message on social media before her arrest.
Laura Beatrice Richardson, a South Australian police trainee, could be thrown behind bars for up to 15 years if she is found guilty of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage boy.
The 23-year-old was pictured in a mask and dark sunglasses while appearing in court on Tuesday (October 20).
Prosecutors say that the budding cop had sex with a boy under 17 at least two times in June, with South Australian law having the age of consent as 17.
The Williamstown-native has been accused of abusing the teen in an Adelaide suburb, while she was studying at the Fort Largs Police Academy.
But some of her old social media posts have started to resurface, which could be disturbing given recent events.
Laura Richardson's 'disgusting' TikTok video
Since being arrested, the police trainee has been suspended on taxpayer-funded pay, says local outlet The Adelaide Advertiser.
A number of her old social media videos have also resurfaced since the arrest, particularly on her TikTok page.
One of the videos displayed text on the screen which read: 'I. Do. Whatever. I. Want.'
It was posted on her TikTok account on May 19, a month before the alleged crimes, with the song 'IDGAF' by Drake ft. Yeat playing in the background, as the latter says 'I do whatever I want' in his verse a couple of times.
Richardson is yet to be found guilty on the charges provided.
Richardson's ongoing case
During the trainee's appearance at Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday, prosecutors asked a judge for more time before going ahead with the case.
They asked for 12 weeks to gather key evidence, such as phone data and DNA reports, before Richardson can enter a plea.
“Your Honor, there are some outstanding materials… some DNA reports, some further SAPOL affidavits, a review of the accused’s phone and some Yarrow Place report,” prosecutors said in court.
Yarrow Place, based in North Adelaide, is a specialist sexual assault support centre.
Richardson has since been granted police bail after her arrest, before being remanded on continuing bail after the hearing.
Both she and her legal team refused to answer questions from reporters as they exited the building, as Richardson is yet to enter a plea.
The case is scheduled to return to court in January 2027.