Michael Blanch: WA Police Commissioner’s son is banned from driving after being clocked doing 60km/h over the speed limit
The son of a top police officer has been fined and banned from driving for six months for driving more than 60km/h above the speed limit on a motorcycle.
Michael Blanch, the son of Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch, pleaded guilty to the speeding offense at the Joondalup Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Blanch, who is also a police officer, was clocked driving a Honda motorcycle at 132km/h in a 70km/h zone in Perth’s northern suburbs on December 28, 2023.
He was fined $1,200, with costs of $270, and banned from driving or driving for six months.
Blanch (pictured left) is seen smiling proudly next to his father as he was promoted to commissioner in 2022
He has not applied for a conviction, meaning the driving offense will now appear on his criminal record.
Police Commissioner Blanch said on morning radio on Wednesday that he was disappointed by his son’s actions.
“I am obviously disappointed as a father and certainly as a commissioner, but I love my son and I will always support him, whatever he does, and hopefully he learns an important lesson from this.
“He is not above the law and will face the consequences like everyone else does in court.”
Police Commissioner Blanch (pictured) told morning radio on Wednesday that he was disappointed by his son’s actions, but still loves him
Police Commissioner Blanch confirmed he had also withdrawn himself from the disciplinary process – which was handled by a deputy police commissioner, explaining that his son is ‘not above the law’.
“The first thing I did was inform the CCC commissioner that my son was caught speeding, I also informed the (police) minister,” the commissioner said.
‘I have completely removed myself from all disciplinary processes, I have given that to a deputy commissioner.
“I won’t talk to her about it, she will contact the CCC commissioner directly if necessary.”