In a dramatic set of circumstances, a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged with determining the legality of Uber in the state has adjourned the hearing after the Taxi Services Commission (TSC) served further charges on an UberX driver during the hearing.
Nathan Brenner, a prominent figure in the music industry, was facing a potential $7,500 fine for allegedly driving a commercial passenger vehicle without a licence, before the TSC sent a representative to serve two further charges on him during a break in proceedings. The extra charges could see the fine rise to over $24,000.
The action was protested by Brenner’s barrister Peter Haag, who argued it went against court rules.
“There are common law principles that apply,” Haag said. “I have never seen that happen in 30 years inside a courtroom.”
The TSC representative read the further charges when proceedings commenced, but Brenner spoke loudly throughout the reading and refused to touch the charge sheet, which remained on the courtroom floor until proceedings were adjourned until Tuesday.
Magistrate Julian Ayres asked barristers from both sides to determine whether the successive charges can stand once the hearing commences next week.
The court action against Uber in Victoria is seen as a test case against the ride-sharing company which has in the past paid the fines incurred by its drivers.
In a bid to market its service to new customers, Uber rolled out a new marketing campaign this week, offering free ice cream to customers in 18 cities across Australia through its app.
A 470ml tub of Gelato Messina comes as a gift for all first-time users, but with Uber still flouting the laws in Victoria, the company is skating on thin ice.
Sources: The Age/
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