Noel Lalouette appears in Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court over intimidating a traffic camera operator
A ‘sovereign citizen’ pest has again clashed with a magistrate claiming the man who threatened a traffic camera operator looked more like Uncle Fester than himself.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A self-proclaimed ‘sovereign citizen’ refused to identify himself in court after he was busted speeding and threatening a traffic camera operator, and claimed Victoria Police was a “private corporation”.
Noel Lalouette, 60, fronted Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on May 24 where he was found guilty of intimidating a road safety officer who was setting up a traffic camera in July 2022.
Lalouette continuously told the court he was there for a matter in “concealment of treason”, and refused to identify himself as the accused, mirroring a hearing earlier in the year where he did the same thing.
Magistrate Stephen Lee entertained the Hampton man’s antics for a short time, before his patience waned.
“I’ve been courteous to you, I’ve been patient, I’ve been respectful,” he said.
“This is a court of law, it’s a place of respect, everyone who enters the court is treated respectfully, no matter who they are or their beliefs.
“Identity is fundamental in this case, so I need you to tell me directly that you are the person charged with this offence.”
The court heard Lalouette claimed to be “the benefactor”, but refused again to identify himself as the accused.
Mr Lee put an end to the chaos, asking Lalouette to leave the bar table, and adjourned the court for 15 minutes.
“I’m taking your answer as a no,” he said.
“Since you’re not the person charged with this offence, I’d ask you to take some time to step down from the bar table.”
Following the short adjournment, acting senior police lawyer Seveni Perera requested to continue the hearing ex-parte, which was granted.
The court heard Lalouette approached a traffic camera operator on July 25, 2022 at 5.03am on Fairbank Rd in Clayton South.
The traffic camera operator was seated in the front seat of the camera car at the time of the incident.
After being pictured doing 67km/h in a 50km/h zone in a white Holden Commodore, Lalouette approached the camera operator and began verbally threatening him, the court was told.
The court heard he told the operator, “I know what you look like, I’m going to get you”,
He then started hitting the driver’s side door and window before he attempted to open the door.
The court heard when Lalouette was unable to open the door, he began verbally threatening the operator again, saying “shut it down and leave” before returning to his car and driving away.
The camera operator reported the incident to the police, who interviewed Lalouette in September over the matter.
The court heard Lalouette was uncooperative with officers, claiming Victoria Police was a “private corporation”, refusing to answer any questions regarding the incident.
The court was told Lalouette ranted to officers about the Covid vaccinations, how many people had died after having it, and said he “did not adhere to contracts” when asked about his licence.
The court heard Lalouette was shown photographs of himself speeding, and the dashcam footage of himself before approaching the camera operator.
He told police that “it looks like uncle Fester”.
He denied threatening the man saying “I didn’t threaten him, I thought he was in need, I’m passionate about helping people.”
Police prosecutor Ms Perera said the offence wasn’t outside the scope for a significant fine and conviction.
“He’s intimidated a traffic camera officer who was simply doing his job,” she said.
“He shows no remorse. Individuals should be able to undertake their work without feeling unsafe in doing so.”
Mr Lee told the court Lalouette’s offending was mid-level.
“The incident didn’t get physical, but this is mid-range offending” Mr Lee said.
“General deterrence is a relevant principle here, people should know if they commit an offence like this in the future they will be punished by the courts.”
Mr Lee found Lalouette guilty, fining him $3000 with conviction.
gemma.scerri@news.com.au
