MP defers court date
Drink-driving case in January
SHAMED MP Simon Ramsay will not face court for drink driving until after this month’s election after his case was adjorned.
The Upper House Liberal representative did not appear in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday, but his lawyer asked for an adjournment so he could formally plead guilty in the new year.
Caught drink driving at Barwon Heads in July, Mr Ramsay was scheduled to appear in court today for plea, but was not named to appear on yesterday’s court listing.
The delay will mean Mr Ramsay, 63, returns to court on January 25.
The MP said he was an “idiot” after police caught him drink driving hours after a football club function.
He reportedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.19, almost four times the legal limit.
The incident led to Mr Ramsay announcing he would leave politics at the November 24 state election.
In comments made to the Geelong Advertiser in the days after the incident, he said he was regretful.
“I have met with Matthew Guy and advised him I will not recontest the next election,” he said.
“I am deeply remorseful for my actions and apologise for my error of judgment. I also regret any embarrassment and hurt caused to my family, friends, colleagues and the Liberal Party.”
Mr Ramsay was elected to Spring St in 2010 as the Liberal Party’s Geelong-based member for Western Victoria.
His ascension to politics came after a long involvement with Liberal branches and committees across the region.
He also served as president of the Victorian Farmers Federation from 2005-09.
Highlights of his eight-year parliamentary career include serving as chair of the Law Reform, Drugs and Crime Prevention committee (2013-14).
More recently, Mr Ramsay served as shadow parliamentary secretary for rural and regional transport.
Liberal stalwart Bev McArthur has assumed his place on the party’s ticket for Western Victoria at the election.