Property developer and top boxing promoter faces court for driving charge

Australia’s top boxing promoter has wound up in Wonthaggi court but is contesting the charge. Find out what it is.

Brian Amatruda appeared in the Wonthaggi Magistrate’s Court on Friday contesting one charge of using a mobile phone while driving.

A big name property developer and top boxing promoter is fighting claims he used his mobile phone while driving along a Phillip Island road.

Brian Amatruda appeared in the Wonthaggi Magistrates’ Court on Friday to contest a charge of using a mobile phone while driving.

Brian Amatruda at Wonthaggi Magistrates’ Court.

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 he has worked with prominent boxing figure Mark Gatto.

It is alleged Mr Amatruda was using his mobile phone while driving towards Cowes in November 2021, along Phillip Island Rd at about 3pm in Surf Beach.

He pleaded not guilty.

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.

They pulled him over and he allegedly denied using his phone, telling the officer it had no power and there had been no messages or calls sent/received.

The defence argued Mr Amatruda was only “holding” his phone to put it into a cradle and not “using” it.

It comes as new laws come into effect across the state to crack down on mobile phone usage behind the wheel.

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.

The hearing continues.