Former QUT academic Gordon Douglas Chalmers accused of posing as Justin Bieber in bizarre court rant
A former Queensland law lecturer accused of posing as pop icon Justin Bieber to get children to send him explicit images online has exploded in “drivel” at the Brisbane District Court.
Police & Courts
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A former Queensland law lecturer accused of posing as pop icon Justin Bieber to get children to send him explicit images online has exploded in “drivel” at court where he heaved a stack of papers to reporters in the public gallery.
Gordon Douglas Chalmers, a former QUT academic facing 202 charges, was scheduled to be arraigned in Brisbane’s District Court on Friday.
Upon being brought into the courtroom Chalmers tried repeatedly to interact with journalists, beckoning them with his finger and asking if they wanted a “scoop” while holding up several large envelopes.
The court heard there would not be an arraignment today and things took a turn for the worse when an upcoming trial date was discussed.
Chalmers stood in the dock and shooed away his lawyer.
“Mr Chalmers do you want to say something,” Judge John Allen KC asked.
“Yes I would like to say something. I’d like to make an application for your recusal… I have a statement with me right now I wish to read,” Chalmers said.
“Sorry, recuse me from what,” the judge asked.
“From dealing with this matter,” Chalmers stated.
“Oh right. Well, no,” Judge Allen said calmly.
Judge Allen said he was busy and “not wasting the court’s time with your drivel”.
An irate Chalmers began shouting about a supposed cover up.
“You’re silencing me again just like you did the last time,” he screamed.
As Corrective Service officers dragged him out Chalmers threw his stack of envelopes towards the media yelling “corruption’s going to be exposed mate”.
His lawyers quickly retrieved the material.
Police allege Chalmers, who is in custody, used multiple online platforms, including Facebook and Skype, to communicate with his alleged victims.
He was first arrested in 2016 and committed for trial in 2017 on more than 900 charges. However this was reduced to 202 offences including child grooming, procurement and making child exploitation material charges.
During a bail application in 2016 the court heard Chalmers allegedly adopted the guise of celebrity Justin Bieber while contacting children over the internet.
The matter was adjourned to Monday before a trial listings judge.
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