Richard Pusey fronts court again over road rage allegations

A week after being jailed for filming the aftermath of the Eastern Freeway tragedy, Richard Pusey has fronted court over allegations of assault and theft.

Richard Pusey will fight charges relating to an alleged road rage incident after “active and purposeful discussions” with the prosecution failed to resolve the case.

A week after being jailed for 10 months over speeding and filming the aftermath of the Eastern Freeway crash in which four police officers died, Pusey faced court over the October 2018 incident in which he ischarged with assault and theft.

Pusey, 42, appeared via video link from prison in the Neighbourhood Justice Centre on Thursday where his lawyer, Vincent Peters, said discussions to resolve the case were fruitless.

“I’ve had discussions with (the prosecution) and we’ve been unable to resolve any of the matters at this point in time,” Mr Peters said.

CCTV footage allegedly depicts Pusey and another man trying to nab the same parking spot on Russell St.

He asked the case — along with another before the court relating to intentionally destroying property — be sent together to a contested hearing in Melbourne’s online Magistrates’ Court in August.

Police allege Pusey was captured on CCTV confronting another driver after they were both trying to nab the same parking spot on Russell St in Melbourne on October 20, 2018.

Pusey allegedly got out of his BMW and walked to the driver’s side window before snatching the man’s keys from the ignition.

He then drove off with them.

An earlier court heard how Pusey does not agree with how the prosecution is putting the case against him, and that he took the keys because the alleged victim had become “very angry and aggressive” and believed it was “appropriate to remove the keys because the man was not in a position to drive”.

Footage shows Pusey get out of his car and walk to the drivers’ side window.

He claims he then dropped the keys at the South Melbourne police station, but the prosecution said there was no evidence to support this.

Magistrate David Fanning adjourned the two matters to August 23 after confirming with the prosecution and defence they had both engaged in “active and purposeful discussions”.

He urged them to notify the court if the matters resolved before the next date.

When asked by the magistrate if he had any questions, Pusey replied no before thanking him.

“Thank you sir. Appreciate it,” he said.

A charge sheet released by the court alleges he “intentionally and without lawful excuse” destroyed a $50 slab of Coopers Pale Ale beer at BWS in Fitzroy on December 13.

His polite manner was in stark contrast to his last appearance on these matters last month before a different magistrate, Lance Martin, who was forced to mute Pusey’s microphone following multiple interruptions to the court.

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