Underbelly star Vince Colosimo fails to attend court over drug-driving allegations

UNDERBELLY star Vince Colosimo was allegedly whacked on the deadly drug ice when police pulled him over in his black Saab in Melbourne’s CBD.

Vince Colosimo during a previous appearance at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Picture: Josie Hayden

VINCE Colosimo was allegedly whacked on the deadly drug ice when police pulled him over in his black Saab in Melbourne’s CBD in March.

Police documents obtained by the Herald Sun state the actor was pulled over on Exhibition St about 5.40pm on March 5.

It was a Sunday evening, and Colosimo was suspended from driving after losing his licence on demerit points a month earlier.

Colosimo was alone in the car and handed over his licence when asked for it by police.

He was tested for drugs and the results indicated he allegedly had methamphetamine in his system.

Vince Colosimo outside court during a previous appearance. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Colosimo played Alphonse Gangitano in the Channel 9 TV series Underbelly.

And as Jack Rizzoli In Janet King. Picture: Supplied

Police allege the Underbelly star lied when asked if he’d consumed any illicit drugs on the day or days prior.

An officer told him the tests indicated he had traces of meth in his saliva and Colosimo was read his rights.

The 50-year old claimed he had no idea his licence had been suspended.

Court documents state his licence was suspended on February 24 for six months until August 23.

Colosimo’s car was hooked up and towed away to the pound where it remained for 30 days.

He has been charged with driving a car while under the influence of drugs and driving while suspended.

But in a move that enraged Magistrate Ross Maxted, Colosimo failed to attend the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today to deal with the matters.

While Colosimo is technically allowed to have the matter dealt with in his absence, his barrister Tara Hartnett said he wanted to appear in person.

Mr Maxted said Colosimo was already granted 28 days to get his defence in order. He said he didn’t care if Colosimo wanted to be in court.

“So what,” he said. “It’s irrelevant. You can deal with it in his absence.”

Ms Hartnett said she had only obtained the brief of evidence against her client this morning and had no instructions from Colosimo on how he wished to proceed.

“This is the problem. Too many adjournments,” Mr Maxted said.

Police prosecutor Sen-Constable David Lee said he had no idea why Colosimo’s legal team had not received the brief of evidence.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Mr Maxted exclaimed. “Let’s just keep adjourning it until it’s ready.”

He told Ms Hartnett the matter could be dealt with rather simply. “Why so complex?” he asked.

Ms Hartnett suggested Colosimo may yet choose to contest some of the allegations.

The matter will return to court in November.

Under the Road Safety Act Colosimo faces up to two years’ jail or a fine of up to $38,060 for driving while suspended.

The charges are the latest setback for the one-time darling of the Australian small screen, who hit the big time with his role as gangland boss Alphonse Gangitano in TV’s Underbelly series.

Vince Colosimo at the Logies after-party in 2015. Picture: Gina Milicia

In January, the 50-year old pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing methamphetamine.

During that hearing, Ms Hartnett told the court her client’s arrest had hit home hard.

“You’re not dealing with an unintelligent person … there is nothing glamorous about being put in a divisional van,” she said.

The court heard Colosimo had been out cruising the streets with a mate in the early hours of the morning of September 26 last year when he drew police attention.

Police patrolling Fitzroy North took an interest in his blue SAAB and pulled him over near Barkly St.

When officers looked inside, they saw Colosimo hiding something in the footwell. Police said he looked nervous and his hands were shaking.

The court heard the officers saw a jet lighter in the footwell — the kind used by drug users on ice pipes.

Colosimo was placed on a good behaviour bond for 12 months without conviction and asked to contribute $1000 to the court fund.

Colosimo previously told the Herald Sun of his devastation at being charged.

“This has been a wake-up call,” he said. “I have two beautiful children, whom I love more than anything in the world, and I want to be a good role model to them.”

The matter will return to court in November.