General Law News

Charges Dropped Over Ski-boat Death Of Surfer Boy Jyah Lamb, 8

CHARGES brought against a Brisbane man whose ski boat ran over and killed a friend’s child have been dismissed by a Maryborough magistrate.

Jeffrey Ussher, 25, and his family and supporters wept with relief after magistrate John Smith ruled in a late court sitting last night that he should not have to stand trial for the dangerous operation of a vessel.

Feature Gold Coast Bulletin Article By Bill Potts

Bill Potts appeared as a guest columnist in the Gold Coast Bulletin on 13 November 2009.

Prisoners of Past

A conversation I recently had at a dinner party caused me to rethink how to approach my daily grind.

Finks Bikie Ordered To Hand Over $50k

FINKS bikie Sacha Kahled Nachouki has been ordered to hand over a $50,000 cash surety to the court before he was allowed bail on charges of fraud and extortion.

The 37-year-old Paradise Point man is facing charges of extortion, fraud and failing to answer questions at an Australian Crime Commission hearing.

Courier Mail Coverage Of Paolo Liuzzo Case

The appearance of “international playboy” Paolo Liuzzo in Southport Magistrates Court sparked a media frenzy. Bill Potts appeared for Mr Liuzzo at his plea. (Courier Mail 4/11/09)

Money Talks, Paolo Walks

by Renee Redmond, court reporter – Courier Mail 4/11/09
American playboy Paolo Liuzzo waved his chequebook to get himself out of trouble after refusing to do community service on the Gold Coast as punishment for a series of crimes.

CMC Stripped Of Power

DRUG lords, outlaw bikies and paedophiles are free to ply their evil trades in Queensland after the Supreme Court effectively shut down the state’s top organised crime fighting body.

In a decision that has rocked the Crime and Misconduct commission, one of its key powers has been ruled illegal by the court.

The shock judgement means the CMC can no longer use its blanket powers to hold secret “star chamber” hearings into specific organised crime and paedophilia offences and force witnesses to testify under threat of jail.

Need for extra Judges in Southport District Court

Bill Potts comments to the Gold Coast Bulletin about the increasing need for extra Judges in the Southport District Court. (Gold Coast Bulletin – 13/11/12)

Distric Court Under Stress

Southport District Court judges cleared a whopping 448 criminal cases in 2011-12 but still have 192 matters outstanding, a scenario which plagues the justice system across the state, according to a report.