SA MP Sam Duluk faces court for allegedly assaulting Connie Bonaros, says he wants access to private investigator’s file on case
Sam Duluk has used his first court appearance to attempt to gain access to an investigator’s confidential case file on his alleged Christmas party assault of fellow MP Connie Bonaros.
Police & Courts
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Independent MP Sam Duluk has used his first court appearance, on an assault charge, to seek access to a renowned private investigator’s inquiries into his alleged conduct.
On Tuesday, top barrister Marie Shaw QC asked the Adelaide Magistrates Court to approve a subpoena her client wishes to serve upon Paul Hocking, of Quark and Associates.
Mr Hocking, a 24-year veteran and former NT Police Detective, was hired by Speaker Vincent Tarzia to look into Duluk’s alleged poor behaviour.
However, Mr Tarzia paused Mr Hocking’s inquiries in February when SA Police became involved in the case.
Duluk, 37, has yet to plead to one count of having allegedly assaulted fellow MP Connie Bonaros by placing an arm around her waist and slapping her on the bottom.
Police investigated the alleged incident after Ms Bonaros lodged an official complaint amid further claims a racist remark and homophobic comments were made.
She said she was frustrated at the lack of action being taken against Mr Duluk by Premier Steven Marshall and the Liberal Party after the allegations were made public.
Mr Marshall subsequently barred Mr Duluk from the Liberal Party room – that same day, the embattled MP voluntarily suspended his party membership.
He continues to sit in parliament as an MP, and that status would not change due to a conviction as the charge does not meet the threshold to disqualify him.
Mr Duluk has apologised, in parliament, for his behaviour, saying he has “begun a journey of recovery” of “combating alcohol use and dealing with disappointment and stress”.
On Tuesday, Ms Shaw told the court her client was seeking “two things” at this stage in the committal process.
“We are seeking, with the consent of the court, to issue a subpoena for the production of documentation,” she said.
“We’re simply asking the court to grant permission to issue and serve that subpoena to Mr Hocking.
“It’s already accepted, by the prosecution, there’s material in Mr Hocking’s possession that is relevant to the case.”
She said her client’s second request was for an adjournment in order for police to make full disclose of their case to defence counsel.
Paul Tate, for SA Police, said that was the case and confirmed he did not object to the subpoena being issued.
Magistrate Alfio Grasso remanded the case until December.
Duluk did not comment outside court.