- Magistrate removed from Ballarat post
- 20/03/2006 Make a Comment
- Contributed by: Rambo ( 1 article in 2006 )
A BALLARAT magistrate who heard cases involving two colleagues in private chambers will no longer sit in Ballarat.
Chief Magistrate Ian Gray confirmed yesterday that a new magistrate would be appointed to replace former Ballarat magistrate Michael Coghlan.
Mr Coghlan was ordered to return to Melbourne for further professional development last week amid allegations he gave veiled, favourable treatment to a registrar and deputy registrar.
The pair, who received reduced penalties, are on extended leave and are being investigated for possible breaches of the Public Administration Act.
Registrar Peter Langley faced two speeding charges in June 2005, one for exceeding the speed limit by 5kmh in a 60kmh zone, and another for exceeding the limit by 9kmh in a 100kmh zone.
He chose not to pay two $131 fixed-penalty fines, and to have the matter heard before a magistrate.
Mr Langley pleaded guilty to the charges in Mr Coghlan's Warrnambool chambers, and was fined $50.
Deputy registrar Loretta Oppelaar was caught driving at 64kmh in a 60kmh zone, and also refused to pay the $131 fixed penalty.
She pleaded guilty before Mr Coghlan on December 6 last year, again in his Warrnambool chambers, and received a bond.
Mr Coghlan later attempted to use his powers to abolish the penalty and have the case heard in open court before another magistrate. However, the procedure was out of time.
Chief Magistrate Ian Gray confirmed yesterday that a new magistrate would be appointed to replace former Ballarat magistrate Michael Coghlan.
Mr Coghlan was ordered to return to Melbourne for further professional development last week amid allegations he gave veiled, favourable treatment to a registrar and deputy registrar.
The pair, who received reduced penalties, are on extended leave and are being investigated for possible breaches of the Public Administration Act.
Registrar Peter Langley faced two speeding charges in June 2005, one for exceeding the speed limit by 5kmh in a 60kmh zone, and another for exceeding the limit by 9kmh in a 100kmh zone.
He chose not to pay two $131 fixed-penalty fines, and to have the matter heard before a magistrate.
Mr Langley pleaded guilty to the charges in Mr Coghlan's Warrnambool chambers, and was fined $50.
Deputy registrar Loretta Oppelaar was caught driving at 64kmh in a 60kmh zone, and also refused to pay the $131 fixed penalty.
She pleaded guilty before Mr Coghlan on December 6 last year, again in his Warrnambool chambers, and received a bond.
Mr Coghlan later attempted to use his powers to abolish the penalty and have the case heard in open court before another magistrate. However, the procedure was out of time.
Source: https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/330069/magistrate-removed-from-ballarat-post/
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