Korumburra Magistrates Court: Property developer and top boxing promoter fights driving charge

A boxing promoter who has worked with the likes of underworld figure Mick Gatto has taken the points in a fight with police over claims used his phone while driving.

Brian Amatruda at Wonthaggi Magistrates Court. 2023

A big name property developer and top boxing promoter has successfully fought claims he used his mobile phone while driving on Phillip Island.

Brian Amatruda, who has worked with boxing heavyweights such as Mick Gatto, appeared in the Korumburra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, dialling in from his phone while sitting in his car at a job site, where Magistrate Suzette Dootjes found the charge of using a mobile while driving was not proved.

Mr Amatruda is a founding director of Omni Property Group – a business which has completed projects across Victoria, including a development on Phillip Island.

Mr Amatruda is also well-known as one of Australia’s top boxing promoters as the managing director of Big Time Boxing.

In 2021 he offered Tim Tszyu $1m to fight Michael Zerafa in Melbourne, while also working with colourful Melbourne identity and prominent boxing figure Gatto.

In 2010 Mr Amatruda resigned from his role as a bail justice role after questions were raised in the media about his “close association” with Fedele ‘Freddy the Bear’ D’Amico.

Police charged Mr Amatruda after a member of the highway patrol said they saw him using his mobile phone while driving towards Cowes on Phillip Island Rd about 3pm in November 2021.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court heard the highway patrol allegedly spotted Mr Amatruda holding his phone with his left hand against his steering wheel, using his right hand to touch the screen.

Brian Amatruda, leaving the Wonthaggi Magistrates Court after his first appearance.

They then pulled over Mr Amatruda who denied using his phone, telling the officer it had no power and there had been no messages or calls sent/received.

The court heard the officer refused to check if the phone had power.

Mr Rob Melasecca for Mr Amatruda submitted the wording of the legislation meant if a phone was inoperable, or unable to be turned on then it was “absurd” to rule it was being “used”.

Mr Melasecca told the court Mr Amatruda was only “holding” his phone to put it into a cradle and not “using” it.

Mr Tim Cavanagh for prosecution submitted holding the phone did constitute using it however, Magistrate Suzette Dootjes ultimately ruled it didn’t.

The charge was found not proven.