Prosecutors have introduced an additional drug charge against former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs, according to court proceedings. Speirs, aged 40, appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court where Director of Public Prosecutions Martin Hinton KC announced that negotiations with Speirs’ legal team had begun following the determination of charges.
Initially, Speirs faced two counts regarding the supply or administration of a non-cannabis drug to another person during the period of August 2-3 and August 9. However, prior to his first court appearance in November, one of these charges was dropped and the other subsequently amended.
In today’s court session, Hinton informed Magistrate Lynette Duncan that the case would proceed with two counts of the same charge. Speirs expressed a desire for a swift resolution, stating outside the court, “I would like to see a resolution sooner rather than later,” while also acknowledging the importance of respecting the judicial process. He viewed the shift from a single charge to two as merely administrative.
Court documents indicate that the revised dates for the alleged offences are now set for August 1 and from August 1-10, with Kingston Park in Adelaide mentioned as the location of the incidents. The former opposition leader resigned from parliament on October 15, paving the way for a by-election in his southern Adelaide seat, which was subsequently won by Labor candidate Alex Dighton.
Speirs’ tenure had become increasingly controversial since he stepped down as leader on August 8, citing fatigue over speculation regarding leadership and a lack of energy to continue. Compounding the situation, a video surfaced on September 9, allegedly showing Speirs engaged in drug use, which he claimed was a “deepfake” and declared his intent to clear his name.
On October 5, he acknowledged in a video statement that the situation was impacting his ability to effectively serve his community while protecting his mental health and supporting his family and friends. He described a distressing ordeal involving armed police raiding his home, his subsequent arrest, and questioning.
Speirs was arrested on September 26 in Berri, following a police search of his Kingston Park residence. He is scheduled to return to court on March 27 to continue addressing the ongoing legal issues.