David Speirs faces court

December 2024 As reported by the ABC, former SA opposition leader David Speirs has appeared in court for the first time since being charged with drug offences. Police say they arrested Mr Speirs in early August, and charged him with supplying a controlled substance. In September, a video was published by News Corp, reportedly showing Mr Speirs snorting off a plate. The former Liberal leader resigned from politics following the charges, with a by-election in his seat of Black to be held on Saturday. In the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Friday, Mr Speirs successfully applied to have his bail conditions varied to allow him to travel overseas. Mr Speirs will be required to pay a $15,000 bail surety as part of his new conditions, as well as provide an itinerary to prosecution before travelling. Former SA opposition leader David Speirs has been charged with two counts of supplying a controlled substance and will face court, police have confirmed. The court wasn’t told whether he’ll defend the charge. Speaking to the media outside court, Mr Speirs thanked his “many hundreds of” supporters who have “reached out” to him since his resignation from the party. “It has meant a lot and it has actually sustained me during this time,” he said. “I’m not going to talk specifically about anything that happened in the court, that’s not appropriate. “However I acknowledge this has been a very difficult time for me personally, a very difficult time for friends and for family members.” Mr Speirs said being a member of parliament has been a “great privilege”.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia