'What a ripper': One Nation senator free to sit in Senate after larceny conviction annulled
New One Nation senator Rodney Culleton is reportedly free to sit in the senate, following his arrest for stealing a tow truck key after his company car was repossessed in NSW.
In Armidale Local Court on Monday, Culleton’s annulment application was granted after he was convicted in absence earlier this year over the alleged incident.
The matter was listed for mention on September 12 to fix a hearing date.
Culleton has pleaded not guilty to larceny.
ABC reported that outside the court on Monday, Culleton claimed "What a ripper!"
He reportedly told local media the matter was "a joke" before being pulled away by an adviser.
After the ruling Culleton’s counsel Peter King declared his position in parliament was “not at all” in limbo, according to ABC News.
"He's now free to sit in the Senate. He's been properly elected by the people of Western Australia and he'll be a strong voice for the community in that part of the country."
Mr King said the case was “over a trivial matter”.
"The fact is today his conviction has been dismissed, the annulment application has been completely successful," he said.
The newly elected One Nation senator was arrested and taken into police custody after he turned himself in over an outstanding warrant for failing to front court over larceny charges.
The WA senator was accused of stealing a tow truck key from a driver who was reportedly trying to repossess one of his company cars in 2014.
He was charged over the alleged altercation with the tow truck driver at Guyra, NSW in 2014.
He had previously claimed he tried to "phone in" to the court during the initial hearing, but the magistrate convicted him when he failed to appear.
Despite being elected as a senator, the charge could potentially prevent him from taking office.
The constitution forbids politicians of taking office if they are convicted of a crime that holds a year long jail sentence or more.
This includes if a person is convicted or awaiting conviction.
Larceny carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
On Monday NSW Police confirmed a man had been dealt with in Armidale.
Culleton is also awaiting trial in WA, scheduled the week before parliament commences.
It's alleged he stole a hire car in 2015.
Culleton was awarded the 11th spot on the WA ballot, and is one of four One Nation senators to be elected.
Yahoo7 have contacted One Nation leader Pauline Hanson for comment.
News break – August 8
