Farouk from The Castle becomes a magistrate
HE was involved in one of Australia’s most famous movie court battles and now he’s been appointed to the bench.
Constantinos “Costas” Kilias has been a barrister for almost 30 years, but is still perhaps best known for his role in Australian movie history.
As Darryl Kerrigan’s Beirut-born neighbour Farouk in The Castle he took his fight to stop being kicked out of his home all the way to the High Court.
And he had a unique way of dealing with court disputes: “My friend come to your house, put bomb under your car and blow you to f---ing sky” became one of his most famous lines from the 1997 box office hit.
Today Mr Kilias was appointed as a Victorian magistrate, one of three new appointments by AttorneyGeneral Martin Pakula.
“I am excited, honoured and humbled to have been appointed a magistrate,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my father and late mother for their Olympian support throughout my life.”
Mr Kilias couldn’t be any further from his most famous on-screen alter-ego and is known in legal circles for his fair manner and sharp legal mind.
He has almost three decades’ experience as a barrister, mainly in criminal matters, appearing regularly in the Su- preme, County and Magistrates’ courts, and in inquests.
Before joining the Bar, he worked as a solicitor.
He also has a string of Aus- sie TV and film credits to his name including Blue Heelers, The Wog Boy, SeaChange and Fat Tony & Co.
Alanna Duffy and Timothy Hoare were also appointed as magistrates.
Ms Duffy has been a barrister since 2004, specialising mainly in employment and administrative law.
She is also a Deputy President of the Police Registration and Services Board, and Chair of the Harness Racing Victoria Appeals and Disciplinary Board.
Mr Hoare has been a barrister for 18 years, specialising in criminal law.
He has acted for the prosecution and defence in cases in- volving murder, culpable driving, drug offences and serious violent offending.
Two of the appointments replace magistrates Rodney Crisp, who retired this month after 33 years of service, and Philip Ginnane, who became a judge of the County Court in September.
“These three new magistrates bring decades of collective experience to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and I congratulate them on their appointments,” Mr Pakula said.
“I’d like to thank to Rodney Crisp and Philip Ginnane for their many years of service to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.”