Michael Diamond Cleared of Firearm Offences

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Former Olympic shooter Michael Diamond has been cleared of all three firearm offences in court this morning.

The 45-year-old was appealing a 10-year ban from holding a gun license after shotgun components and ammunition were found in his car at Shoal Bay last year during a roadside breath test.

The appeal judge had queried firearm convictions against the former Olympic shooter, noting the shotgun was stored safely in a gun case at the time it was found.

Judge Roy Ellis said in court this morning Michael Diamond's gun was in a gun case, not assembled and was incapable of firing, therefore quashing the crown's case.

Michael Diamond said he was glad to see common sense had prevailed on his case and says it would be great to resume life back in the sport he grew up with.

He was also charged with high range drink driving at the same time last year, but the court heard he wouldn't be appealing the conviction.

Michael Diamond and his partner leaving Newcastle District Court. Image Jarrod Melmeth

Olympic shooter slapped with an AVO

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Olympic shooter, Michael Diamond has been handed a restraining order in the wake of his conviction on firearms and drink driving charges in Raymond Terrace Court in May.

The AVO is in a bid to protect his wife, Cathy.

Under the restraining order Michael Diamond has been ordered not to assault, threaten, stalk, harass or intimidate his wife, nor touch any of her property.

The 45-year-old is challenging a 10-year ban on having a gun licence in a bid to return to the international shooting circuit.

Michael Diamond Image yahoo7

Olympic shooter found guilty

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Olympic shooter Michael Diamond's career is all but over after being found guilty of firearms and drink driving offences.

The six time Olympian appeared in Raymond Terrace Court yesterday and was banned from holding a gun license for ten years as well as charged with other offences.

Last May, the 44-year-old returned a high range blood alcohol reading when he was spotted next to his car at Shoal Bay - he was also found to have a shotgun and loose ammunition in the car following a domestic incident.

The sentence has put paid to any future hopes of representing his country again.

Diamond has been placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond.

Image au.news.yahoo.com.au

Michael Diamond facing court today

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Hunter Olympic shooter Michael Diamond is at Raymond Terrace local court today answering to firearm and drink driving charges which were filed during an alleged domestic dispute with his brother back in May.

He pleaded not guilty to be involved in the domestic dispute at a home in Nelson Bay, as well as to four charges relating to driving under the influence and gun and ammunition storage in May.

Diamond blew three times the blood alcohol limit when police arrested him.

The arrest and charges cost him his spot in this year's Rio Olympics.

The hearing is expected to continue for most of today.

Olympic shooter Michael Diamond pleads not guilty

BY JARROD MELMETH

Olympic Shooter Michael Diamond has pleaded not guilty to 4 offences today in Raymond Terrace local court.

Last month the Gold medallist was charged after allegedly being involved in a domestic dispute with his brother in Port Stephens.

He was later charged after a shotgun and 150 rounds of ammunition were allegedly found in his car.

Diamond was also charged with high range drink driving.

The charges put the shooters hopes of taking part in the 2016 Rio Olympics in jeopardy.

His lawyer has asked the court to bring forward the hearing so he can be eligible to compete in the Rio Olympics.