Former Liberal Party leader Matt David Speirs guiltily confessed in the face of drug charges. His resignation from political leadership came on August 8, 2024. The crimes took place in Kingston Park between August 1 and 10, 2024. Speirs, who at 40 years old, pleaded guilty to two charges. He provided or distributed a controlled substance, other than marijuana, to someone else.
The issue will be back in court in late April, where it will be heard by Magistrate Brian Nitschke. Speirs’s legal team has reached an agreement with the prosecution that the case against her will be tried by a magistrate. Written arguments from the defence team were to be submitted ahead of the next hearing, tentatively scheduled to take place in a few months.
Details of the Offence
In Berri last September, Speirs was taken into custody. This came on the heels of the release of a controversial video that allegedly showed him snorting something from a plate. That was the footage released by News Corp that led to an even deeper digging into what he spent his time doing. Despite these pending charges, in October 2024, Speirs went live on social media. Throughout the video, he doubled down on his promise to exonerate himself.
"For me, this is about bringing the matter to a conclusion as quickly as possible," said David Speirs.
He restated his wish for a quick resolution, noting family issues as the reason for pursuing this approach to the lawsuit.
Court Proceedings and Reactions
Because on the day of his plea, Speirs appeared in the dock of the Adelaide Magistrates Court. He used the opportunity to come in personally to enter his guilty pleas. On advice from his legal team, he agreed to move the case before a magistrate. This decision signals they are ready to cut bureaucratic red tape and move faster. The case is scheduled to return to court in April for continued consideration.
"That's the best thing for me on a personal level, and that's why I'm taking this approach," Speirs explained regarding his decision to plead guilty and expedite the proceedings.
Resignation and Future Implications
In the wake of those charges and his later arrest, Speirs resigned from politics entirely. His resignation from the leadership of the Liberal party came just days after these allegations went public. The April court proceedings will continue to examine the legal ramifications of his actions.
