Muto contests helmet fine

By Darren Linton

Dec 16, 2021

In court: Milvan Muto is contesting a penalty notice for failing to wear a bike helmet. Photo by Rodney Braithewaite

A three-hour contested hearing has been locked in for March so controversial former Shepparton councillor Milvan Muto can contest a fine for not wearing a bike helmet.

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Shepparton Magistrates’ Court heard Mr Muto was issued a penalty notice for riding a bicycle without an approved helmet.

Mr Muto told the preliminary hearing that he had not had a case conference with prosecutors but had been provided with video from the police car and a body-worn camera, although he said he was unable to view the latter.

Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Brent O’Grady said police relied on the footage to prove the offence.

“His defence is it was due to his mental state at the time, but we have seen no evidence pertaining to that,” he said.

Mr Muto agreed to deliver a letter from a medical practitioner to prosecutors.

When the Judicial Registrar turned to a media application for details of the case Mr Muto said it should be granted.

“Let them do what they want, it makes me sick,” he said.

When he interjected during a discussion with this reporter, referring to a “fat fool on the other line”, the Judicial Registrar ordered his online feed be muted.

The case has been set for a three-hour hearing on March 14, 2022.

By Darren Linton

Shepparton News chief correspondent