" You're leading with your chin there "
" Prime Minster-elect Tony Abbott's chief of staff has avoided punishment on a drink-driving charge in the ACT Magistrates Court.
Peta Credlin, 42, arrived at court flanked by her high-profile defence lawyer and Mr Abbott's press secretary.
Ms Credlin was charged with low-level drink-driving in May when ACT police caught her returning home from Mr Abbott's budget reply speech.
Ms Credlin pleaded guilty to blowing 0.075 during a breath-test, but today avoided having a conviction recorded.
Ms Credlin's lawyer argued for the charge to be dismissed due to her otherwise clean driving record and the punishment already received by having the matter play out in the media.
Her lawyer also told the court that incoming Attorney-General George Brandis, had written to the court describing Ms Credlin's exemplary character and how she had a 21-year unblemished driving record.
Magistrate Maria Doogan noted that Ms Credlin pleaded guilty at the earliest possibility.
"I find the offence proven but I'm not recording a conviction," Magistrate Doogan said. "
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-10/credlin-avoids-punishment-on-drink-driving-charge/4947944
Should I ever have the necessity, I will bring up this astonishing defense.
Raider
