United Australia Party candidate ‘rolls over’ in cell and won’t face court on charges

A candidate for Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party who is facing charges has not fronted court, with his lawyers explaining why.

A candidate for Clive Palmer’s controversial political party who allegedly harassed another person has refused to speak and “rolls over” in his remand cell, a court has been told.

Ingram Spencer is facing 13 charges, including using a carriage service to menace or harass another person.

The charges came after police alleged he exhibited “aggressive” behaviour.

The 38-year-old did not face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and instead two lawyers addressed the magistrate.

UAP Higgins candidate Ingram Spencer

Mr Spencer’s parents in England contacted lawyer Tony Hargreaves to represent their son, but he told the court he had been unable to speak to the aspiring politician.

“Despite my attempts … he will not come out of his cell and is non-communicative,” Mr Hargreaves told the court.

He later said prison officials he spoke to on Thursday morning confirmed that Mr Spencer was not communicating.

“They have confirmed that he simply rolls over and won’t come out of his cell. He won’t acknowledge them,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“He knows he has court this morning but has refused to in any way participate.”

Ingram Spencer, UAP’s candidate for the seat of Higgins, did not face court on Thursday.

Another Legal Aid lawyer said she was unable to take instructions from Mr Spencer either and understood he was being monitored due to his mental state.

The court was also told that an inpatient assessment order would be made, and if Mr Spencer was released from custody, he would be taken to an area mental health service to be assessed.

The political candidate is standing for the UAP in the blue-ribbon seat of Higgins in Melbourne’s inner southeast.

It is held by Liberal member Dr Katie Allen.

Mr Spencer describes himself as a “fighter” able to “defend and strategically win arguments”.

“We have not been able to speak with Mr Spencer; however, like all Australians he deserve the presumption of innocence,” a UAP spokesman told NCA NewsWire.

“We hope that he is receiving the care he needs.”

The spokesman did not clarify if Mr Spencer would continue to be the candidate for Higgins.

The hearing was adjourned for a later date.