Corruption case driving instructor Masoud Rad to finally stand trial
A driving instructor has finally been ordered to stand trial over his alleged offences following a prosecution repeatedly slowed by court efficiency laws.
A driving instructor has finally been ordered to stand trial over his alleged offences following a prosecution repeatedly slowed by court efficiency laws.
In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, Masoud Rad, 43, pleaded not guilty to two counts of dishonestly dealing with documents.
He was arrested, in April last year, by SA Police anti-corruption branch detectives who alleged he abused his position as an authorised examiner who tests candidates for driver’s licences.
Rad’s case was among the first to be dealt with under controversial court efficiency laws drafted by former Attorney-General John Rau SC.
Police initially sought a 12-month adjournment to prepare evidence but the court refused, dubbing the request “extraordinary” and giving them six months.
When the case returned to court, the evidence was still not ready — and so police were given another six months, moving the matter to the date they had originally requested.
The State Government is reviewing the operation and effect of the efficiency measures.
On Thursday, Rad was remanded on continuing bail to face the District Court in September.