Musician, magistrate face off
Court proceeding gets heated
A COURT mention almost turned into a yelling match between a musician and a Toowoomba magistrate yesterday.
Dylan Confaloniere and Magistrate Damien Carroll began their heated exchange after the former began the proceeding by claiming he had no case to answer.
Confaloniere was appearing on charges of driving without a licence (SPER suspended) and contravening a direction or requirement of police, though he has yet to enter a plea.
In his previous mention, Confaloniere claimed a 117year-old loophole in the Australian constitution prevented him from being prosecuted over a SPER debt.
That law states that the government can only collect debts in the form of gold or silver.
“I don’t believe we can go to trial considering there is no case to answer to,” Confaloniere told the court.
The musician continued his vocal submission, earning the scorn of the magistrate.
“I’m telling you what to do, so do as you’re told,” Magistrate Carroll said.
“I am the boss here you do as you’re told, I am not talking to you so have a seat.
“If you don’t do as you’re told I will call the police.”
Confaloniere continued to interrupt Magistrate Carroll and the police prosecutor.
“Be respectful to me please your honour,” he said.
The musician claimed witness statements provided to him had not been signed or witnessed by a justice of the peace and that the charges should be dismissed.
Agreeing that was an error, Magistrate Carroll asked for it to be rectified.
“I am sorry your honour, I cannot hear over the yelling,” police prosecutor Katherine Steele said. Confaloniere’s matters were set down for trial on October 16.