Big Rob’s court battles look set to be fought in Byron Bay Local Court as two Magistrates have disqualified themselves from hearing any of his matters.
Mr Rob appeared at Lismore Local Court before Magistrate Jeff Linden on Monday over an alleged breach of an Apprehended Personal Violence Order APVO taken out by Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith.
A condition of the APVO was Mr Rob was ordered not to post anything on Facebook about Cr Smith or his family as part of the APVO.
During this year’s devastating Lismore flood, it is alleged Mr Rob made comments on social media about Cr Smith’s actions as Mayor.
Cr Smith complained to police and Mr Rob was arrested on April 8 and charged with contravening a restriction in an APVO.
Mr Rob has pleaded not guilty to breaching the APVO.
Magistrate Linden adjourned Mr Rob’s matters to Byron Bay Local Court today ( November 30) for mention to fix a hearing date.
Then on Tuesday, Mr Rob was again before Magistrate Linden in Lismore Local Court, this time charged with not keeping left of a median strip.
Hours before the peak of the flood on April 1, police allege Mr Rob did not keep left of a median strip on Keen St Lismore at 3.37pm.
He was charged and mailed a court attendance notice to his last known address held by Roads and Maritime Services.
Mr Rob entered a not guilty plea to the charge on Tuesday.
Magistrate Linden marked court papers – NB – DH JL disq – meaning he and Magistrate David Heilpern have disqualified themselves from hearing Mr Rob’s matters.
He ordered the brief of evidence against Mr Rob to be served on the defence by December 18 and adjourned the matter to Byron Bay Local court on January 11, for mention to fix a hearing date.
I wonder if they had to say why they disqualified themselves.
They would have to do that if the defendant is personally known to them – but in this case, was it that they had been subject to influence by reading a post by or about Mr Rob on social media – or was it just a matter of distaste they simply could not overcome?
LOL is this a joke! Surely its a targeted total waste of resources.