‘Sovereign citizen’ warned over bizarre performance
A SELF-PROCLAIMED “sovereign citizen” who stands accused of seriously assaulting police has been warned about his behaviour by a magistrate at his latest court appearance.
Scott William Coleman appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday on one charge each of seriously assaulting police by biting or spitting, and assaulting police, and two charges of obstructing police.
The 48-year-old had been charged with two fresh offences of failing to appear after missing several court dates, including the hearing that was listed for November 1.
Mr Coleman was first arrested and released on bail in August, allegedly refusing to sign a document releasing him from the Southport watchhouse due to “sovereign citizen issues”.
The Currumbin Waters man told the court during his bail application that he intended to fight the charges on the grounds “his sovereign rights (were) violated by the police”.
People belonging to the sovereign citizen movement believe they live outside government jurisdiction and are exempt from the law.
Mr Coleman again claimed he was prepared for a lengthy legal battle when he appeared in court this week, saying he wanted all charges dismissed.
He initially refused to approach the bar table when his name was called and tried to address the court from his seat in the gallery, then claimed to be “under duress”.
Mr Coleman claimed he had contacted numerous court officials in an attempt to have his matter resolved and again asked the magistrate to have his case thrown out.
“If we are to verify information, I’m happy to do it with 12 jurors and I’m happy to provide evidence,” Mr Coleman said.
“Doing it in an administrative court does not provide me any justice at all, Your Honour.”
Ms Crawford repeatedly asked the man to stop speaking over her before warning him that he must appear in person in another court to properly contest the allegations.
Mr Coleman apologised to the magistrate for his conduct throughout the drawn-out adjournment before making his way from the courtroom.
He will remain on bail until his matter is next mentioned on November 28.