- Faced a Sydney court over a driving charge
Anthony Mundine has left a Sydney courtroom stunned after performing an acknowledgement of country and refusing to follow standard plea procedure during a tense exchange with a magistrate.
The former rugby league star and world champion boxer appeared at Sutherland Local Court last Tuesday, where he represented himself on a charge of driving during a disqualification period.
Before proceedings began, Mundine performed an acknowledgement of country and addressed the court in unusual terms.
‘I’m Anthony of the tribe Mundine, here in my private capacity,’ he said.
He also acknowledged the ‘Dharug people of the Eora Nation’.
The court was then drawn into a procedural standoff when Mundine declined to enter a formal plea to the charge.
Anthony Mundine caused a scene when he appeared in a Sydney court over a charge of driving during a disqualification period
The former NRL and boxing star conducted an acknowledgement of country and refused to enter a plea to the charge
Magistrate Jillian Kiely explained that the legal process required a clear plea of either guilty or not guilty.
‘If you fail to make a plea, I can’t make a plea of not guilty,’ the magistrate said.
Mundine refused to comply with the court’s direction.
‘I don’t consent … I’m innocent,’ he said.
Because Mundine would not formally enter a plea, the magistrate entered a not guilty plea on his behalf in accordance with court procedure.
The 50-year-old also attempted to have the charge dismissed, but the magistrate informed him that she did not have the authority to withdraw the matter. Only police could make that decision.
‘They [police] will be held accountable … I’m joking,’ he said.
The court appearance was the latest in a string of motoring offences Mundine has racked up
The court appearance follows a string of motoring offences stemming from a police stop near Mundine’s home.
Authorities allege he was driving while disqualified and operating a vehicle without proper registration and insurance.
Mundine has indicated he intends to challenge the matter on broader legal grounds.
‘To elaborate, the matter pertains to the attempted legal restriction of fundamental rights,’ he said.
He cited ‘the right to travel, the right to peace, the right to freedom of association, and the right to equality before the law, including the right to be heard and seen equally in the eyes of the law’.
After leaving the courtroom, Mundine briefly shadow-boxed for waiting media but declined to provide further explanation about his defence strategy.