An Australian court has ordered an appellant to pay over AUD4,000 after he lost an appeal over a parking fine.
In June last year an Adelaide council fined Grant McDougall AUD95 for parking just outside the boundary of his house. McDougall took the matter to the Magistrates Court and lost, but appealed to the Supreme Court. At the hearing, McDougall, who is not a lawyer, represented himself in court. He argued that the council had no legal status under the Australian Constitution.
Justice Kevin Nicholson slammed McDougall saying that the grounds for his appeal made little or no sense. The irate judge added that the appellant has been unable to assist the court in either his written or oral submissions. He dismissed the appeal and ordered McDougall to pay the council's fees of AUD3,680 for the Supreme Court appeal, plus fees of AUD500 for the Magistrates Court. On top of this McDougall has to fork out AUD160 as a levy on the fine as well as AUD150 for the original fine.
McDougall said he would not pay the fine or fees and planned to take the matter to the Federal Court.
Tip Off ROF
In June last year an Adelaide council fined Grant McDougall AUD95 for parking just outside the boundary of his house. McDougall took the matter to the Magistrates Court and lost, but appealed to the Supreme Court. At the hearing, McDougall, who is not a lawyer, represented himself in court. He argued that the council had no legal status under the Australian Constitution.
 |
"I represent myself, your honour. May it please the court, ex injuria jus non oritur, I REST MY CASE, it is beyond a reasonable doubt. All rise." |
McDougall said he would not pay the fine or fees and planned to take the matter to the Federal Court.