Petar Pantic, “person of interest” in Dianne Brimble’s cruise ship death convicted of drug offence

A man who gave evidence at the inquest into Dianne Brimble’s 2002 cruise ship death was a no-show to court, but was convicted for possessing drugs.

A man who gave evidence at the inquest into Dianne Brimble’s 2002 cruise ship death missed his court date but has been convicted of a drug offence.

Petar Vladimir Pantic, 44, was a no-show in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, facing multiple charges.

Prosecution said they could proceed ex parte on Pantic’s charge of possessing a controlled drug which happened on June 24 at Lockleys.

The court heard Pantic had previous criminal history of possessing drugs and drug driving.

Magistrate John Fahey convicted him and fined him $300.

Petar Pantic leaving the Adelaide Magistrates Court in 2011. Photo: File

Pantic, of Lockleys, is also charged with carrying an offensive weapon and a number of driving offences, including driving a motor vehicle with an incorrect number on number plate and driving unregistered and uninsured which allegedly happened on November 16 at Campbelltown.

Those charges were adjourned until July.

Pantic was among a group of Adelaide men that had once been named as “persons of interest” in the 2002 death of Ms Brimble aboard a cruise ship, after she had been given the liquid drug fantasy.

He was never charged over Ms Brimble’s death.

Pantic was previously before the court in 2015 where he pleaded guilty to affray for his involvement in a brawl at City nightclub on May 29, 2011.

The court heard Pantic had been “struck by a stool” during the incident and suffered a head injury as a result which impacted on his ability to make decisions.

Nine members of the Finks Motorcycle Club also pleaded guilty – and were sentenced – for starting the Hindley Street brawl that involved bar stools and glasses being used as weapons.

The fight broke out when members of the Finks confronted several Hells Angels inside the club, after an earlier altercation between several men on North Terrace.