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BILLIONAIRE Clive Palmer (pictured) will fight a $333 speeding ticket he refuses to pay, even if it risks landing him behind bars.
The Queensland mining magnate’s Mercedez-Benz was caught doing 87 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, along Oxley Drive in the Coast’s northern suburbs during January. He was fined and lost four demerit points.
The State Penalties Enforcement Registry, which alleges it still has not received payment from Palmer, is pursuing the matter with legal observers speculating his worst case outcome being a three-day jail sentence and licence or registration suspension.
Palmer’s spokesperson today confirmed the heavyweight is ‘disputing’ the fine. He is understood be applying to have the ticket stayed and case re-opened at court.
Lawyers believe there is a slim chance of re-opening the matter since he failed to act during the critical 28-day appeal period. The only way Palmer’s claims can be heard is if he gives ‘substantial reasons’ for the delay such as an emergency, overseas trip or ill relative.
If the case is heard, Palmer will need to prove he was travelling slower than recorded, not driving at the time or involved in an emergency situation.
A spokesperson for Police Minister Jack Dempsey confirmed Palmer has a ‘statutory right’ to contest the fine.
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