Gold Coast lawyer Campbell MacCallum in court on drug charge
A high-profile Gold Coast criminal lawyer has been hit with a fresh drug charge on the same day he appeared in court after allegedly being found with cocaine.
Police & Courts
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High-profile lawyer Campbell MacCallum has been hit with a fresh drug charge.
It’s understood detectives from the Crime and Corruption Commission charged MacCallum with cocaine possession dating back to May 18 following his brief appearance in court on Wednesday morning on a charge of possessing a dangerous drug.
The hearing was moved to Richlands Magistrates Court, prompting the magistrate to question why the case was moved to his jurisdiction, saying the legal practitioner should be treated like everybody else.
MacCallum, a colourful Gold Coast legal identity, was charged with possessing dangerous drugs earlier this month after the Crime and Corruption Commission raided his home and allegedly found a quantity of cocaine.
Dressed in a blue suit and bright purple tie, MacCallum this morning faced the Richlands Magistrates Court, a 75 kilometre drive from the Southport Magistrates Court.
Magistrate Aaron Simpson questioned why the case was being heard in Richlands, brushing off comments that it was because MacCallum is well known at the Southport Magistrates Court.
“So what, so is Mr (Adam) Magill in Brisbane, so is a bunch of other lawyers who are well known at particular magistrates courts,” he said.
“What would it matter, just treat him as anybody else.
“It’s got nothing to do with Richlands.
“I don’t think a court would treat him any different.”
The case was adjourned to the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 24.
The nature of the CCC investigation that led to the raid on MacCallum’s home has not been made public but it is understood to be part of the same probe that has targeted several other high-profile firms and their financial processes.
Outside court, defence lawyer Bill Potts said the court move was not unusual.
“My understanding is that Mr MacCallum is well known in Southport Court and to avoid embarrassment to the magistrates or to seek an adjournment it was finally brought here by the CCC,” he said.
“There is nothing unusual in that it quite often happens and again for the same reason the matter is going to be dealt with in Brisbane.”
Mr Potts said MacCallum had not been contacted further regarding the CCC investigation.
“The CCC never tell us exactly what they’re doing, nor should they, they conduct much of their hearings and processes in secret so (they are) the very last people who would tell us what they’re doing,” he said,
“However the CCC are clearly interested in Mr MacCallum and if and when they wish to talk to us or have any dealings with us we will of course consider that application and their advices.”
Mr Potts said Mr MacCallum was cooperating with authorities.
“We will be liaising closely with the CCC and also with the DPP or Police Prosecutions,” he said.
“At the present moment we are seeking information and Mr MacCallum is also in touch with the Queensland Law Society.
“The Queensland Law Society is always there to ensure the public can have confidence in the people who act as legal practitioners in the state.
“At the present moment it’s early days and Mr MacCallum is doing everything he possibly can to cooperate with each and every one of the authorities.”
Mr MacCallum is a heavily tattooed former champion amateur bodybuilder with a penchant for pink suits, cowboy hats, ties and glasses.
He has gold metal business cards engraved with his firm’s logo and the tagline: “DON’T SPEAK TO THE POLICE!”
Both matters will be heard in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 24.