Public figures often find themselves in the spotlight for their actions, both in and out of office.

When allegations surface, the fallout can be swift and far-reaching.

One prominent politician is now facing serious legal consequences after a case that has drawn significant public attention.

Former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs pleaded guilty to two drug-related charges in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 27 March.

The 40-year-old admitted to supplying a controlled substance to another person on two occasions between 1 and 10 August 2024.

He had resigned as opposition leader on 9 August 2024, just before his arrest the following month.

Former SA leader pleads guilty to drug charges. Image source: 7NEWS

South Australia Police confirmed that Speirs had been taken into custody in Berri, in the Riverland region, where he was charged with two counts of supplying a controlled substance.

Outside court, he declined to comment further, stating: ‘Not going to make any comment today, just going to work through this matter.’

‘No statement today, that would be inappropriate.’

He is set to face sentencing submissions in June, with a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine, 10 years in prison, or both.

Separate to these charges, a video surfaced in early September 2024 appearing to show Speirs snorting a white powder in June 2024 while he was still Liberal leader.

Speirs denied the allegations at the time, calling the footage a ‘deepfake’ and ‘very troubling’.

‘That was certainly not me,’ he shared during an exchange outside his home.

‘That is very strange…I would never have done that. I’m quite horrified by that.’

‘I’m really troubled by that.’

When questioned again outside court on 27 March about the alleged video, he refused to respond.

Speirs’ guilty plea has sent shockwaves through South Australian politics, leaving many wondering what comes next.

Watch the full video for more on his admission and the legal fallout.

Source: Youtube/9 News Australia​

Key Takeaways

• David Speirs pleaded guilty to two drug-related charges for supplying a controlled substance in August 2024.
• He resigned as opposition leader on 9 August 2024 and was arrested the following month.
• A video surfaced in September 2024 allegedly showing him snorting a white powder, which he denied as a ‘deepfake’.
• He faces sentencing submissions in June, with a possible $50,000 fine, 10 years in prison, or both.

With a high-profile resignation, legal battles, and controversy surrounding the video, Speirs’ future remains uncertain.

What impact do you think this case will have on his political career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

 

[Free.lander]

now who would have thought that an LNP member would be guilty of drug trafficking-- well anybody who has seen the corruption in the LNP party over the years
Any body who has been affected by every broken promise by the LNP leaders
JUST ABOUT ANY BODY WITH A BRAIN IN THEIR HEAD WHO CAN SEE THAT THE 25 CENTS A LITER TO BUY YOUR VOTES SCAM -IS JUST ANOTHER SCAM FROM A PARTY WHO FOLLOWS THE REPUBLICAN PLAY BOOK OF DISHONESTY

 

[BillyB]

now who would have thought that an LNP member would be guilty of drug trafficking-- well anybody who has seen the corruption in the LNP party over the years
Any body who has been affected by every broken promise by the LNP leaders
JUST ABOUT ANY BODY WITH A BRAIN IN THEIR HEAD WHO CAN SEE THAT THE 25 CENTS A LITER TO BUY YOUR VOTES SCAM -IS JUST ANOTHER SCAM FROM A PARTY WHO FOLLOWS THE REPUBLICAN PLAY BOOK OF DISHONESTY

You just have to look at the last LNP PM. Scott Morrison .

 

[Allie1919]

The denials, the lies, how can we trust any politician- so many disgrace themselves, and are a disgrace to the country.

 

[Vespa Girl]

We do indeed need politicians who will give to this country rather than take. Is there anybody interested in the role from this community? I am too old but I am sure we could balance the budget far better than what is happening now. We would never have sold off our country. After all we did play monopoly as children and keeping our assets helped us to win.

 

[mylittletibbies]

You just have to look at the last LNP PM. Scott Morrison .

Are you saying Scott Morrison was dealing drugs???
Drugs pervade every area of society judges, police, doctors, etc
It's not a Liberal versus Labor problem, it's a society problem. I'm sure he isn't the only one and won't be the last.
Nothing to do with anyone's personal poltical persuasion.

 

[HelenB55]

Isn’t it just amazing how they all plead innocent by denying the fact that they were filmed doing it. Then they have the audacity to say the images are deepfake

What bastards they are all are by wasting taxpayers money on pleasures for themselves, thinking they will never get caught out.

The money wasted on court cases etc would be better spent within the position they are put in Parliament to do.

 

[darrellh]

Isn’t it just amazing how they all plead innocent by denying the fact that they were filmed doing it. Then they have the audacity to say the images are deepfake

What bastards they are all are by wasting taxpayers money on pleasures for themselves, thinking they will never get caught out.

The money wasted on court cases etc would be better spent within the position they are put in Parliament to do.

Well he certainly should not have a future in politics which is one of the questions asked above. He has proven beyond any doubt that he is not up to the task and certainly does not deserve another chance. He will now have a conviction against his name and surely that will exclude him. We are not America after all.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Isn’t it just amazing how they all plead innocent by denying the fact that they were filmed doing it. Then they have the audacity to say the images are deepfake

What bastards they are all are by wasting taxpayers money on pleasures for themselves, thinking they will never get caught out.

The money wasted on court cases etc would be better spent within the position they are put in Parliament to do.

I doubt very much that his Court costs would be covered by government
He had already resigned before his arrest.

 

[Alley962]

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

 

[Zorro56]

I am not a fan of this man in any way and I am anti drugs. He was our local member and we were forced to a bi election because of this. However, I smell a rat here. He was being filmed in his house and it must have been by a so called friend. Vincent Tarzia, the current Lib opposition leader had been trying to oust Spears for years. Was the so called friend an ally of Tarzia? I am not condoning any of this. I am just pointing out that I think the Libs in S.A. are rotten to the core and may be prepared to do anything to promote their own cause.

 

[Penny4]

Some people can't help themselves, and politicians are no different in life.

 

[Gradiv]

Hope he gets both fine and imprisonment. this kind of behavior is NOT acceptable by any so called representative of the people!

 

[Bridgit]

now who would have thought that an LNP member would be guilty of drug trafficking-- well anybody who has seen the corruption in the LNP party over the years
Any body who has been affected by every broken promise by the LNP leaders
JUST ABOUT ANY BODY WITH A BRAIN IN THEIR HEAD WHO CAN SEE THAT THE 25 CENTS A LITER TO BUY YOUR VOTES SCAM -IS JUST ANOTHER SCAM FROM A PARTY WHO FOLLOWS THE REPUBLICAN PLAY BOOK OF DISHONESTY

Fuel Excise reduced to half for a year - I don't think you understand what you are hearing!

 

[Bridgit]

You just have to look at the last LNP PM. Scott Morrison .

What laws did he break?

 

[Bridgit]

Isn’t it just amazing how they all plead innocent by denying the fact that they were filmed doing it. Then they have the audacity to say the images are deepfake

What bastards they are all are by wasting taxpayers money on pleasures for themselves, thinking they will never get caught out.

The money wasted on court cases etc would be better spent within the position they are put in Parliament to do.

They will be paying their own legal costs - stop with the hysteria.

 

[Towing]

Isn’t it just amazing how they all plead innocent by denying the fact that they were filmed doing it. Then they have the audacity to say the images are deepfake

What bastards they are all are by wasting taxpayers money on pleasures for themselves, thinking they will never get caught out.

The money wasted on court cases etc would be better spent within the position they are put in Parliament to do.

He gave a "guilty plea" eventually. Give him both with no reduction of time for good behaviour or any other excuse

 

[Veggiepatch]

I doubt very much that his Court costs would be covered by government
He had already resigned before his arrest.

Thank you @mylittletibbies!

Finally, the voice of reason.

 

[Reet]

I doubt very much that his Court costs would be covered by government
He had already resigned before his arrest.

Will he still get the enormous payout pension from the government as an ex MP?

 

[Bridgit]

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Yes I agree - most forget that none of us are perfect.