Tennis star Bernard Tomic is contemplating filing a complaint against Gold Coast police after receiving two traffic infringement notices on Australia Day.
A standoff occurred at the Tomic family residence in Southport, where the 19-year-old refused to engage with officers.
His bright orange BMW M3 was reported over police radio on Channel 9, prompting patrols to look out for it, as he was allegedly revving the engine at pedestrians in the Broadbeach restaurant area.
Tomic received his first ticket and was instructed to head straight home, but he was subsequently stopped again and issued a second ticket for allegedly not following the order.
A police vehicle, with lights flashing, followed him home, where he parked his car in the driveway secured by locked gates.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Tomic asserted that he had committed no wrongdoing and felt targeted by the police.
“They’ve issued me three tickets, and one officer seems determined to get me, which is an unsettling feeling,” Tomic stated.
“This all transpired on Australia Day while I was trying to enjoy time with my friends.”
He maintained that even with a restricted license, he had the right to drive on the roads.
“Absolutely. I was out enjoying my day, doing my things as planned, and someone seems to want to put an end to that,” he explained.
Inspector Glenn Allen, who spoke with Tomic and his attorney, former Gold Coast mayor Lex Bell, noted that the tickets pertained to the conditions of Tomic’s license, but he could not yet determine if any errors had been made in issuing the infringement notices.
“An assessment regarding the conditions of his driving is pending a decision at a later time,” Insp Allen informed reporters outside the residence.
“That determination will occur through an inquiry, should one be deemed necessary,” he added.
Insp Allen mentioned that the Tomic family is currently deliberating the possibility of filing a complaint against the police.
“They can choose to report the issue to the Crime and Misconduct Commission or the Ethical Standards Command,” he said, while emphasizing that the tennis star had been “understanding and reasonable.”
Mr. Bell declined to comment on Tomic’s allegations of being targeted.
“He believes he is innocent in all of this; you’d have to consider how you would feel in Bernard’s position.
“It’s not my place to say… Bernard is my client, and I’m striving to achieve the best possible outcome for him.”
Recently named in Australia’s Davis Cup squad on Thursday, Tomic holds a special exemption to drive the $150,000 BMW for training and other tennis-related activities.
Although the car’s speed is electronically limited, it still surpasses a top speed of 250 km/h.
Last month, Tomic faced investigation over hooning complaints, which he denied, claiming he was a target of a vendetta by a Gold Coast police officer.
He mentioned that the officer who accused him of hooning had expressed his desire to see Tomic featured in local newspapers.
Tomic stated he was merely driving to training and adhered to the law.
by Vandas Voice
