Western Power staff stood down after backing manager in rape trial

Three Western Power staff members have been reassigned following their provision of positive character references for a senior manager accused of raping a female colleague during a work trip. Jeffrey David Spinner, aged 59, was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for the assault in June 2024. The incident involved taking the intoxicated victim to his hotel room, where he raped her after she returned to his room under the mistaken belief it was her own.

District Court Judge Gary William Massey acknowledged the references from colleagues, describing Spinner as a person of good character, but emphasized the gravity of the crime and the aggravating circumstances, ultimately sentencing him to the maximum term. Western Power's Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson strongly condemned the employees who provided the references, ordering a review of the utility's communication with the government and serious issue escalation.

The internal review is expected to conclude within two weeks. The minister suggested that the practice of using character references as mitigating factors in sentencing for sexual offenses could be reconsidered. Western Power's CEO, Gair Landsborough, expressed shock at the oversight and stated that the company would conduct a thorough investigation into why employees provided references without proper awareness.