Michael Diamond: Olympic gold medallist arrested on DUI and gun charges

SPORT shooting’s peak local body says it is “working closely” with Olympic gold medallist Michael Diamond after he was allegedly caught drink-driving with a shotgun in the back of his car.

Olympic gold medallist Michael Diamond competing at the London Olympics in 2012 / Picture: AAP

SPORT shooting’s peak local body says it is “working closely” with Olympic gold medallist Michael Diamond after he was allegedly caught drink-driving with a shotgun in the back of his car.

Diamond refused to comment yesterday on the Saturday night drama, which began with an alleged altercation with his brother John at a house in Nelson Bay, north of Newcastle, about 9pm.

Police allege the siblings became involved in a “domestic argument”, with officers finding Diamond soon after standing next to his car in the nearby suburb of Shoal Bay.

Olympic gold medallist Michael Diamond / Facebook

Police arrested the 1996 and 2000 Olympics trap shooting champion after allegedly finding a shotgun and 150 rounds of ammunition ­inside his vehicle.

Shooting Australia will release a statement this afternoon saying it will attempt to ensure Diamond’s “welfare is protected”.

“Shooting Australia (SA) is aware that certain charges have been reported today in relation to Michael Diamond. At this stage SA is still trying to ascertain all of the information relating to these allegations. Therefore at this time and until we have all the information, SA is not in a position to make a statement in relation to these allegations,” the statement said.

“We can confirm that Shooting Australia is working closely with Michael to support him and to ensure that his welfare is protected. We are also communicating regularly with the Australian Olympic Committee and our other stakeholders, and we will continue to do so.

“Athlete nominations to the Australian Olympic Committee, and the appeal involving Michael Diamond, will proceed according to the relevant policies.”

Diamond allegedly initially refused to undergo a breath test after his arrest and later allegedly returned a blood-alcohol reading of .159 — more than three times the legal limit.

He was bailed to appear in court next month to face charges of drink-driving, failing to keep a firearm safe and handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

Diamond’s brother has also taken out an apprehended ­violence order against him.

It is the latest in a long list of dramas for a man aiming to compete at his seventh straight Olympic Games.

Diamond had been pencilled in as one of two trap shooting representatives for the Rio Games, but an 11th-hour selection appeal by teenage competitor Mitchell Iles prompted a delay in announcing the final team.

“You need to get in touch with (peak local body) Shooting Australia, mate — I’ve been told not to say anything,” Diamond said yesterday.

Michael Diamond, Sydney Olympics, 2000.

Michael Diamond on a previous assault charge.

Earlier this year Diamond made headlines when he ­attacked fellow gold medal winner Russell Mark on social media. Diamond also took an online dig at Iles, 17.

In 2003 Diamond was charged with assaulting his former girlfriend, Tracey Kennedy, and also failing to safely store his firearms. It meant he could not compete in the first leg of the Australian Olympic trials for Athens as his shotguns were confiscated and his licence was revoked.

He was ultimately found not guilty of assaulting Ms Kennedy and the magistrate did not record a conviction for the firearm offence. He was then able to attend Athens after being given a second chance to qualify by the Australian Olympic Committee.

It is understood police issued a warning to Diamond but did not lay charges several months ago after he brandished his shotgun to get a group of youths to turn down music.

An Australian Olympic Committee spokesman refused to comment on Diamond’s charges due to the fact he was not currently part of the Olympic team.

Michael Diamond at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

Michael Diamond has been on previous charges.

Olympic shooter Michael Diamond

Michael Diamond with his gold medal from the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.