Barrister slams political correctness after ‘offensive’ Lamborghini number plates seized by cops

A lawyer in a court battle over his ‘offensive’ Lamborghini plates has slammed ‘political correctness’ and claims to be standing up for ‘Aussie battlers’.

A colourful Sydney lawyer and self-described “playboy” has claimed his court battle with authorities over a set of suggestive number plates is about standing up for “Aussie battlers”.

Peter Lavac says he was the victim of an “abuse of power” after he was pulled over last week and had his “LGOPNR” plates seized by NSW Police.

Mr Lavac, a criminal defence barrister and former Hong Kong crown prosecutor, has threatened to sue NSW Police after he was pulled over in his bright yellow Lamborghini last Thursday on Pittwater Road, Manly, after checks revealed his registration had been cancelled.

“It’s about freedom of speech, freedom of expression and it’s a pushback against censorship,” Mr Lavac said outside Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.

“Quite frankly this isn’t about silly little number plates, it’s not about a high powered racing car, it’s not even about me.

“What it’s about is about every little Aussie battler who’s been screwed over by government bullies and bureaucrats and the entire silent majority are sick and tired of being told what to do by the political correctness mob.”

Sydney lawyer Peter Lavac leaves the Downing Centre in Sydney where he is taking Transport for NSW to court over the cancellation of his “LGOPNR” number plates. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Mr Lavac, 74, has been locked in a legal battle with authorities for three months over the vanity plates which he said were a “tongue-in-cheek, funny, humorous, taking the piss tribute to my reputation as a playboy”.

He scored a legal win in early September when he successfully challenged Transport for NSW when he was told that he had to return the plates because they “could be considered offensive”.

He won that battle on a legal technicality after the court agreed with him that the legislation quoted by Transport for NSW in their letter demanding the return of the plates was outdated.

However Transport for NSW again cancelled the plates in November.

He was pulled over by NSW Police last week, during which he said his licence was checked and he was subjected to alcohol and drug checks, before officers seized the plates.

“They were clearly hoping to get me on something,” Mr Lavac said.

Barrister Peter Lavac with his Lamborghini and his "LGOPNR" rego plates. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Barrister Peter Lavac has taken the authorities to court after they seized his "LGOPNR" rego plates. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Lavac said he was “pissed off” as he believed he was targeted deliberately by police.

He said that police would not allow him to drive the final 200 metres home and instead they removed the number plates and he was forced to get the car towed to his garage where it has sat since.

He has appealed the decision to cancel the number plates to the Local Court and he on Monday appeared before Magistrate Greg Elks.

Peter Lavac featuring in an episode of the ABC TV program 'On Trial'. Picture: ABC.

His lawyer Jim Conomos quoted 19th century English politician and writer Lord Acton when he told the court that “absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

“I don’t find this case humorous, maybe I’m getting old in that regard,” Mr Conomos told the court.

“This is an important matter of principle.”

Transport for NSW lawyer Taylor McAnderson told the court that according to their terms and conditions, the government owned the plates and they had “absolute discretion” to recall them at any point if they were deemed “unsuitable or offensive”.

The matter will return to court next week when Mr Elks will hand down his decision.