Political hopeful Andrew Thaler to face trial over intimidation charges

A NSW District Court judge has described the upcoming trial of Andrew Thaler, an independent candidate for Eden-Monaro, as a “complete waste of time”. Find out why.

An independent candidate for Eden Monaro will face trial after allegedly intimidating a woman at the Cooma Rural Fire Service headquarters.

The Canberra Star can reveal Nimmitabel man Andrew Evan Thaler has been charged with intimidation and remaining in a building with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Police allege on February 23, 2018 Mr Thaler intimidated a woman at the Cooma RFS headquarters at Polo Flat.

In Queanbeyan District Court on Monday, Justice Robyn Tupman said during the alleged incident Mr Thaler repeatedly told a staff member “I’m not leaving until you give me the burn-off certificate”.

Mr Thaler has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will face a jury trial next week.

However Ms Tupman described the upcoming trial of the federal political candidate as a waste of court time.

Her frustration was palpable during Monday’s mention as she told the court the case “ought not run” in the NSW District Court.

“This is Local Court stuff,” Ms Tupman said.

“I’m moving heaven and earth to get this trial on.

“I can’t get everything done; all because this Thaler is a log jam in the system.”

Political hopeful Andrew Thaler will face trial in Queanbeyan District Court next week.

Ms Tupman asked Mr Thaler’s lawyer Mark Davis, from Xenophon Davis, to negotiate with his client to ensure a quick trial.

“I know your client isn’t the easiest to get instructions from,” Ms Tupman said.

“He’s in for trial, get it fixed, get it sorted.”

Mr Thaler did not attend court in person or via AVL on Monday but confirmed with The Canberra Star that he is facing trial.

The Nimmitabel man is currently running as an independent in the district of Eden Monaro in NSW’s south.

Earlier this year he ran for NSW Parliament in the Monaro by-election.

The political hopeful’s bail will continue and his trial is expected to begin on Monday, May 23.