‘Elvis’ leaves building
Former basketballer protests over charges
IT wasn’t a performance worthy of Elvis, but former Marlins player George Butler dramatically “left the building” after accusing police of an illegal search during his court appearance.
The former semi pro basketballer represented himself on charges of possessing cannabis and possessing a utensil in October.
In a lively exchange during an otherwise dry criminal callover in Cairns Magistrates Court, Mr Butler alleged a police search warrant was illegal and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“I want to know why it has not been thrown out; it has been illegally done,” Mr Butler said. “I can prove it is illegal, right here; my name is on the search warrant – this is supposed to be a warrant for my residence. It is illegal – my name is not on the house.”
Told that thanks to an unavailability of police witnesses due to APEC commitments his matter would be adjourned to November 28, Mr Butler ramped up his protests to Magistrate Joe Pinder.
“I don’t want to deal with it at all, sir,” Mr Butler said. “I want to take it to the higher courts – please drop this. I’m going to stick up for myself.”
Mr Pinder asked for two “large constables” to attend the court. It was then that Mr Butler accused the magistrate of violating his rights.
“I’m going to the newspapers, no doubt about that,” Mr Butler said. “Cheerio.”
The watch-house officers arrived seconds after Mr Butler stormed from the court.
“Mr Butler has left building,” Mr Pinder said.
“Not quite like Elvis, but he has been entertaining.”
Outside court, Mr Butler asked the Cairns Post to tell his side of the story.
“You’re afraid of the man,” he said. the