Summary
David Speirs, a former leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, faces sentencing for cocaine use and supply after admitting to using it as an “escape” during political stress. He pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine to two friends shortly after resigning from his leadership position in August 2024, citing exhaustion from leadership speculation. While his defense argues for leniency, stating the incident was an “aberration of character,” the prosecution contends that his actions have eroded public trust in politicians.