
Ceremonial activities to mark SA judge Anne Bampton’s appointment to the Supreme Court have been cancelled after she crashed with a cyclist while drink-driving on the weekend.
Chief Justice of South Australia Chris Kourakis said Justice Bampton recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.12 per cent after the accident, which occurred after midnight on Saturday.
The female cyclist is not believed to have been seriously injured in the accident on Greenhill Road at Glenside.
Justice Bampton, who was due to be formally sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice tomorrow, received an immediate six-month driving licence suspension.
“Justice Bampton has acknowledged to me that she made a serious error of judgment in driving when she did,” the chief justice said in a statement.
“She is very concerned that her conduct resulted in the collision, putting the cyclist at risk of injury. Justice Bampton has asked me to convey sincere apologies to the cyclist, and to the South Australian community.”
Chief Justice Kourakis said that “for now”, Justice Bampton would not hear matters related to driving offences.
“I will give further consideration to the range of matters with which Justice Bampton will deal, and the period of time for which that will be the case, in due course.”
Attorney-General John Rau said he was also disappointed that Justice Bampton had been reported for drink-driving and driving without due care.
Speaking on ABC radio this morning, Mr Rau would not comment on whether Justice Bampton was suitable to continue serving on the bench, but said she had performed with distinction for some years in the District Court.
The Attorney-General said the judge’s employment with the judiciary was “essentially an internal matter for the court”.
“I’m very confident the Chief Justice will manage that well.”
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