Paul Nemer charged with driving while disqualified

A MAGISTRATE has suggested an arrest warrant "may be needed" so that convicted gunman Paul Habib Nemer faces court on driving charges.

A MAGISTRATE has suggested an arrest warrant "may be needed" for convicted gunman Paul Habib Nemer.

Nemer was listed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today on one count of driving whilst disqualified.

Police are seeking to impound the vehicle used in the alleged offence.

In August 2001, Nemer shot newsagent Geoffrey Williams in the eye, mistakenly believing the newsagent was stalking two young girls.

Following a plea bargain with then-Director of Public Prosecutions Paul Rofe, QC, Nemer received a $100 bond.

The penalty sparked widespread public outrage and political turmoil when Premier Mike Rann campaigned for Nemer to be imprisoned.

Nemer was subsequently jailed, on appeal, for a minimum 21 months.

Following his release, Nemer was caught speeding at Marleston on December 9, 2007.

He pleaded guilty to exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h, and was disqualified from driving for five months and 24 days.

Nemer then left Adelaide for the Middle East - and because he did not complete the disqualification period, it remained active.

Court documents allege Nemer drove under disqualification at Mitcham on December 1, 2010.

The Advertiser understands he had returned to Adelaide because his father was ill.

It is understood Nemer was pulled over by a random breath-testing unit, where officers informed him his licence was still disqualified.

Nemer has since returned to the Middle East.

Yesterday, lawyers for Nemer said they had "been instructed" to enter a guilty plea on their client's behalf.

The submission did not sit well with Magistrate Kym Millard.

"Not in the absence of your client, you're not," he said.

"It may well be he lives overseas, but this might be a matter where a warrant will need to be issued."

Police agreed the matter should be adjourned so their application to impound the vehicle could be heard at the same time.

Mr Millard adjourned the case until April.