Former federal MP Andrew Charles Laming charged with driving without a licence
A former federal MP’s illegal driving charge has been adjourned due to a “court mishap’’ as he argues the matter was simply an oversight in updating his address.
Redlands Coast
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A traffic charge against controversial former federal MP Andrew Laming has been adjourned after a police prosecutor said she needed another colleague to review submissions because she “knows him too well”.
Andrew Charles Laming, 57, appeared via phone link before Cleveland Magistrates Court.
Mr Laming was charged with one count of driving illegally in Birkdale on May 11, 2024 while his driving licence was suspended.
He filed submissions arguing infringement notices and “notice to choose’’ correspondence was sent to his previous address which he forgot to update on his licence after returning from regional work last year.
Mr Laming told Quest Newspapers, outside court at his previous court mention, that all correspondence had been returned to sender rather than being forwarded to him so he was unaware of the automatic suspension until stopped by police last month.
The prosecutor told the court she had not yet received Mr Laming’s submissions and asked for an adjournment to seek another prosecutor to take over the case.
“We didn’t get the submission,” she said. “I know him (Mr Laming) too well from the community, not on a personal level, but as my occupation.
“It’s been arranged that someone else could have done this.
“My colleague has gone sick and I have no one else to prosecute.
“I know I’m transparent but I need the community to maintain that trust with me.’’
Magistrate Deborah Vasta said Mr Laming would be treated no differently to any other defendant.
“As the submission was not received the prosecution still has to consider it,” Ms Vasta said.
“For the interests of justice to be done and be seen to be done the prosecutor can be removed and she can run it past one of her colleagues.’’
The matter was adjourned until Monday, July 18.
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