Corrupt Cop's Sentencing Proves Court Double Standards

He risked his life as a cop, now he's risking his life as a disgraced cop.

Now in jail for committing a raft of corruption, conspiracy and weapons offences, a former Sydney detective will get out as soon as 2013 but his life will be at risk until the end of his days.

The 40-year-old father of three young children wept in court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to six charges and admitted guilt to another 10 offences ranging back to 2008.

"I know I will always be known as a disgraced police officer," the man, who cannot be named, said.

"I've lost everything. I've lost my house."

Codenamed LP2, he took the stand in the Downing Centre District Court after entering his plea and before Justice Andrew Haesler handed down a non-parole sentence of two years.

"He risked and continues to risk serious injury or death," Justice Haesler told the court.

"He will serve his sentence in constant fear."

Since his arrest, the man has assisted police in two operations and has voluntarily provided information into a number of ongoing inquiries.

The details of those operations have been suppressed for his safety and the safety of his family.

His sentence reflects a 30 per cent reduction for those co-operative actions and another 10 per cent for pleading guilty to the offences.

"Those controlled operations put his life in danger," Justice Haesler said.

He and his co-accused, LP1, who is already serving a jail term, were involved in corrupt practices dating back to 2008.

They extorted tens of thousands of dollars from tobacconists by threatening them with trumped-up charges.

The pair also stole thousands of dollars worth of tobacco leaf from the business operators and sold the product, splitting up the cash.

When police arrested LP2 in January 2009, they seized ammunition, an illegal baton, a butterfly knife and a handgun.

LP2 also admitted giving false evidence to police corruption proceedings and attempting to influence a witness due to give evidence at the same proceedings.

In April 2011, LP2 was found to have made a false statement while applying for a passport, court documents show.

Consulting psychiatrist Daniel Murray said the man's anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder explained his fall from decorated police officer to a criminal.

"It's a mainstream psychiatric illness," Dr Murray told the court.

"Such as a little old lady shoplifting."

Justice Haesler also noted that LP2 would remain on prescribed medication for the rest of his life.

He will be housed in the Special Purpose Centre (SPC) of jail for his protection.

He will have almost no contact with other prisoners and won't be able to participate in most prison activities.

"All the best, mate," one of his barristers said before court officers took him into custody.