Jason Akermanis ‘looking forward’ to Ipswich Court speeding trial

An AFL icon is rearing to take his speeding ticket to trial, claiming the speeding gun used to read his 141km speed was incorrect.

Jason Akermanis with lawyer Paddy O'Donnell leaving the Ipswich Courthouse on February 15, 2023. Picture: Nicola McNamara

An AFL icon is raring to take his speeding ticket to trial, claiming the speeding gun used to read his 141km/h speed was incorrect.

Jason Dean Akermanis, 45, stands charged with one count of disobeying the speed limit (type 2 vehicle-related offence).

It’s alleged he drove his car at 141km/hr in a 100km zone along the Cunningham Highway in Mutdapilly at 10.38am on May 22, 2022.

On October 28, 2022, Mr Akermanis told the Ipswich Magistrates Court he intended to challenge the accuracy of the device the police used to record his speed.

“I think it’s worthwhile to challenge the validity of the actual gun considering the conditions – being raining, etc – downhill, 250 metres away,” he said.

One or two points difference on the gun’s reading is what currently stands between Mr Akermanis and his licence.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Marjorie Bridger told the court at the time the prosecution intended to call one witness, Senior Constable David Olsen, and tender police body-worn camera footage from when Akermanis was pulled over.

The matter adjourned to February 15, 2023, for a hearing to take place.

Mr Akermanis and defence lawyer Paddy O’Donnell, who was acting in pro bono capacity, attended Ipswich Court today, February 15, ready to proceed with the hearing.

Their intention remained to contest the accuracy of the device used to read Mr Akermanis’s speed.

However, police prosecutions requested an adjournment due to delays with their witness being overseas.

The matter was adjourned to April 14, 2023, for hearing.

Mr Akermanis voiced his frustration at the adjournment and told The Queensland Times that he and his lawyer are “looking forward to resolving this matter on the 14th”.