Search by

Year of Publication

Media Statement: Ms Amber Heard

Date of Publication

  • Today, 18 April 2016, Ms Amber Heard appeared in the Southport Magistrates’ Court. The matter was before Judge Bernadette Callaghan.

  • Ms Heard plead guilty to the 1 charge of knowingly producing a false or misleading document, namely an incoming passenger card, contrary to section 137.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). 

  • As a result the CDPP withdrew 2 charges relating to the illegal import of two animals contrary to section 67(1) of the Quarantine Act 1908.

  • Ms Heard received a one-month good behaviour bond. No conviction was recorded. If Ms Heard commits an offence during the one-month period, she must forfeit $1000.

Background:

  • Ms Heard and the two dogs arrived from the USA via private jet on 21 April 2015.

  • On arrival, Ms Heard falsely declared on her Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) that she was not travelling with any animals.

  • On 13 May 2015, a biosecurity officer attended a property on the Gold Coast where the dogs were present and ordered into quarantine.

  • The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) provided advice to the Dept of Agriculture and Water Resources relating to serving Ms Amber Heard with a summons on 14 July 2015. This action was based on the above noted incident on 13 May 2015.