A former security guard of convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby has been ousted from his position at the Brisbane International after sneaking the Aussie backstage to snap a selfie with a tennis star.
John McLeod was fired by Queensland Tennis Centre after the photo posted on Corby’s Instagram caught the attention of competition officials. The selfie, which has now been removed from Corby’s Instagram, showed her posing with Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov and two other’s at the match with the drug smuggler, prior to his match with Yoshihito Nishioka.
The former bodyguard, who represented Corby upon her return into Australia, was found in breach of his tournament agreement leading to the removal of his accreditation, the Courier Mail reports.
According to the publication, McLeod broke two rules set out in his contract, by taking photos from within the centre, something which only accredited media are permitted to do, and entering an area of the venue that he was not required in.
“This security guard has been stripped of his accreditation pass and was therefore removed from his duties at the Queensland Tennis Centre,” tournament director Cameron Pearson told the Courier Mail.
However, the company McLeod works for, Tora Solutions, has claimed the security guard’s actions did not breach the agreement. It has also ceased dealings with Queensland Tennis Centre.
“Tora Solutions has concluded its association with Tennis QLD over a photograph taken by a former client during a routine, sanctioned and approved escort movement,” the company said in a statement. “We at Tora Solutions pride ourselves on our high professional standards and on the fair treatment of all persons, irrespective of their background or experiences. Though we have stepped down from this role, we wish the Brisbane International the best of luck for a safe and successful tournament moving forward.”
Corby herself has also come out in support of McLeod, posting a message on Instagram following the ordeal.
“It is totally encourages to take photo’s [sic] at Brisbane International Tennis, #Brisbanetennis check it out #Not my bad,” she wrote.
“I support the event, was there taking my eight-year-old tennis fanatic nephew to watch some tennis idols, we had an amazing day. I have immense respect for John @torasolutions and what he does. It was all only love and support for the players and the game of tennis.”
She added: “The New Year should be approached with love, focus and the hope to create something spectacular. May 2019 sustain you with good health, motivation, creativity and wealth”.
Corby then included two photos of her enjoying the tournament with McLeod and two other’s at the competition in Brisbane.
This comes months after Corby and her sister Mercedes hit out at 9 News Queensland for a story run back in July.
Read more: Furious Schapelle Corby hits back at 9 News over ‘fake news’ story
During the segment, 9 News reporter Tim Arvier could be seen questioning Corby on the street, asking her how much the operation to get her home cost and whether she paid for it.
“Some people are angry you got taxpayer funds to help get you special treatment in the airport,” Arvier told Corby. “Do you think you deserved it?”
In the report, Corby didn’t say a word as she made her way into a car.
According to the investigation, the military-style operation to get Corby back to Australia was conducted with the assistance of the Government and saw a rearranged exit strategy formulated between the Brisbane Airport Corporation, customs and the Australian Federal Police. It explained how Corby switched flights in Bali and that other passengers on board were required to stay on the plane so she could make a fast exit.
The report added that special carts were organised for Corby, her sister and security team to exit the airport as quickly as possible, while the AFP manned side doors so they didn’t have to front the public.
She was also said to be given express entry through passport control and customs, while a number of vehicles were waiting for her at the airport. Most were decoys. The report said the mission cost an estimated $80,000, although 9 News didn’t know how much was funded by taxpayers.
Taking to Instagram, Mercedes initially slammed the report, sharing some photos of the report she was watching on television.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsFyQigBuf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_control
“I would like to know where you came up with this BS?” she asked. “Tax payers DID NOT pay one cent towards my sisters return home. We paid our own airline tickets and our good friend John from @torasolutions helped organize her safe trip back, the government/tax payers DID NOT pay a cent!! Why have you broadcast this Fake news? [sic]”
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