LEGAL ACE’S NEW DRUG RAP
DEFENCE LAWYER HIT BY FRESH COKE CHARGE
EMBATTLED Gold Coast legal ace Campbell MacCallum is facing a second drug charge, laid soon after he fronted a magistrate for allegedly possessing cocaine.
Detectives from the Crime and Corruption Commission charged MacCallum after proceedings with a new count of possessing a dangerous drug.
MacCallum, one of the Gold Coast’s most high-profile lawyers, was originally charged this month after CCC detectives raided his Burleigh Heads unit on July 6 and allegedly found a small quantity of cocaine.
The new charge alleges he was also in possession of cocaine on May 18. MacCallum appeared in Richlands Magistrates Court on Wednesday in relation to the July 6 possession allegation, dressed in a purple tie and a blue suit.
Magistrate Aaron Simpson questioned why the matter was in Richlands and dismissed the suggestion that it was because MacCallum was too well-known in Southport.
“So what … it’s got nothing to do with Richlands,” Magistrate Simpson said.
“What would it matter, just treat him as anybody else. I don’t think a court would treat him any different to anyone else.”
Both drug matters will be heard in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 24.
MacCallum made a swift exit from court and hopped into a waiting vehicle. He declined to comment as he was leaving, saying: “My lawyer Bill Potts spoke on my behalf. I have nothing to add to that.”
The CCC has been investigating his well-known Southport-based law firm Moloney MacCallum Abdelshahied Lawyers for months.
MacCallum is the second solicitor at the firm to be charged by the CCC.
Outside of court, Mr Potts said they were liaising closely with the relevant authorities.
“The CCC never tell us exactly what they are doing nor should they. They conduct much of their hearings and processes in secret,” Mr Potts said.
“The CCC are clearly interested in Mr MacCallum and if and when they wish to talk to us, or have any dealings with us, we will of course consider that application.”
Mr Potts said they were seeking information and were also keeping in touch with the Queensland Law Society.
Asked whether the law body was keeping a close eye on the matter, Mr Potts said: “At the present moment, it’s early days and Mr MacCallum is doing everything he possibly can to co-operate with each and every one of the authorities.”
Mr Potts also said the move to hear the Gold Coastrelated matter in Richlands was not unusual.
Following his court appearance, MacCallum returned to Southport Magistrates Court where he successfully argued bail for a client.
MacCallum has made a name for himself after representing a number of highprofile clients, including double murderer Lionel Patea, members of the Barbaro family and professional rugby league players.
WHAT WOULD IT MATTER, JUST TREAT HIM AS ANYBODY ELSE. I DON’T THINK A COURT WOULD TREAT HIM ANY DIFFERENT TO ANYONE ELSE
MAGISTRATE AARON SIMPSON