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George Capsis’ son charged with driving while high on ice

The son of a prominent Sutherland Shire minister who once shepherded the Cronulla Sharks’ Christian players has been found guilty of driving while high on ice.

A prominent Sutherland Shire pastor has appeared in court to support his son, who pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of ice.
A prominent Sutherland Shire pastor has appeared in court to support his son, who pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of ice.

The son of a prominent Sutherland Shire minister who once shepherded the Cronulla Sharks’ Christian players has been found guilty of driving while high on ice.

Baptist minister, former deputy mayor and Christian Democratic Party federal election candidate Reverend George Capsis supported his son Steven Capsis at Sutherland Local Court as he pleaded guilty to drug driving.

Reverend George Capsis supported his son Steven, who pleaded guilty to driving while high on ice.
Reverend George Capsis supported his son Steven, who pleaded guilty to driving while high on ice.

The 44-year-old newspaper delivery driver from Cronulla was pulled over on Chapman Rd in Gymea at 10.25pm on May 30.

Police noticed a capped syringe and six small, clear, resealable bags – four of which contained a crystal-like substance – near the car’s gearstick.

“The accused disclosed that he was just dropping off a car key for a friend,” the agreed police facts read.

“He was unable to provide the name of the person he was dropping the key off to.”

A woman who emerged from a nearby home was then given a move on order after she attempted to intervene while police were questioning Capsis.

Magistrate Glenn Walsh gave Capsis a two-year good behaviour bond without conviction and warned him to choose his friends carefully.
“Break your word to me, expect no leniency,” Mr Walsh said.

Reverend George Capsis (centre) in 1996 with Cronulla Sharks players Geoff Bell, Jason Stevens, Paul Stevens and David Peachey.
Reverend George Capsis (centre) in 1996 with Cronulla Sharks players Geoff Bell, Jason Stevens, Paul Stevens and David Peachey.

Capsis’ solicitor told the court Reverend Capsis found it “particularly galling” to be in court supporting his son in this matter.

Reverend Capsis was the Cronulla Sharks’ chaplain for 17 years during the 80s and 90s, and was a competitive weightlifter who competed in the World Masters Weightlifting Championships.

He campaigned for Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s electorate of Cook as Fred Nile’s Christian Democratic Party candidate in the 2016 Federal Election.

Reverend Capsis also founded Community Outreach Ministries in 1987, an organisation which supports disadvantaged people including those struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/stgeorge-shire-standard/george-capsis-son-charged-with-driving-while-high-on-ice/news-story/db1f6fa33505fd440ef8b9df76ee5413