A CASTERTON man who does not believe in “bullsh*t legislation” or acknowledge the authority of Victoria’s Magistrate’s Court, has been fined more than $1200 for his troubles.

Richard Norman, 53, appeared in Hamilton Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday, facing charges of resisting police and refusing to produce identification, when required.

When initially called to court, Norman was asked whether he intended to please guilty or not guilty to the charges, but refused to answer, instead stating he was entitled to have a jury hear the matter.

Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge told Norman a jury had no jurisdiction to hear his matters and if he refused to participate in proceedings, the matters would go ahead without him.

The matter was stood down while some administrative matters were attended to and when recalled to court, Norman did not attend and the charges were dealt with, ex parte.

Prosecutor Greg Kew told the court Norman had attended Warrnambool Magistrate’s Court on 11 February, 2020, answering a warrant on an unrelated matter.

During his appearance there, a security officer was asked to attend the courtroom, in relation to the defendant’s behaviour.

Norman was asked to leave, then to provide his name and address, all of which he refused to do, before taking out his phone and taking photos of people present in the courthouse, which is also against the law.

He told people present: “I don’t acknowledge the magistrate’s court … you’re all scumbags … I don’t believe in your bullsh*t legislation.”

His identification was later confirmed.

The court also heard that on 26 June, last year, Norman failed to appear at Hamilton Magistrate’s Court, in relation to traffic matters and in response to a summons that was served by post.

A warrant was issued and on 29 June, two police members attended an address at Bahgallah, where Norman could be seen, driving a ride-on mower in the yard.

He left the mower, went into the house and returned outside with a mobile phone, which he used to film the police members.

Norman challenged the police members and resisted, when they attempted to place handcuffs on him.

He was eventually taken to the ground where he continued to wrestle with police, before eventually being handcuffed.

When later interviewed, he refused to make any comment and refused to sign a bail undertaking.

In Norman’s absence, Mr Lethbridge fined him $500 for refusing to produce his identification and $750 for resisting police.