Abbott’s chief of staff pleads guilty to drink driving

by canberracriminallaw

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s chief of staff has entered a plea of guilty to drink driving.

Peta Credlin did not appear before the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday to face the one count of low-range driving under the influence.

The 42-year-old blew 0.075 when she was tested by police outside her Canberra home after Mr Abbott’s budget reply speech in May.

A spokesman from Mr Abbott’s office said Credlin had been at a party function held after the parliamentary address.

Credlin’s lawyer, Ben Aulich, was on Wednesday granted an adjournment until September 3.

Mr Aulich handed a letter to Magistrate Beth Campbell explaining his client was in Queensland with Mr Abbott and not in a position to appear before the court until September.

Ms Campbell expressed surprise at the letter’s mention of Credlin’s high profile as she had never heard of her.

It is understood Credlin will apply for a section 17 – which would allow her avoid a conviction and keep her licence – as it is the first time she has been charged with a criminal offence in her 21-years of driving.

Credlin will appear before the court in September.

Credit: Michael Inman, Canberra Times