Independent MP Sam Duluk will stand trial in June, accused of assaulting fellow politician Connie Bonaros, The Advertiser reports.
On Friday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court set aside two days in which to hear allegations Duluk placed an arm around her waist and slapped her on the bottom. If convicted, he faces a maximum two-year jail term – a penalty that will not, under the rules of state parliament, see him lose his seat.
Despite a trial date having been set, Duluk, 37, has yet to formally enter a plea to one basic count of assault.
The charge arises from an alleged incident at a Christmas function, during which Duluk is further alleged to have made racist and homophobic remarks. He was subsequently barred from the Liberal party room, voluntarily surrendered his membership and issued an apology for his behaviour.
Then-Speaker Vincent Tarzia hired a private investigator to conduct an inquiry, but that was stopped when Duluk was charged. Duluk initially sought access to that inquiry’s findings but abandoned his bid, allowing his case to proceed.
He will face court again in March for a final pre-trial hearing, and then stand trial three months later.
Sourced By: The Advertiser
