Federal MP Luke Gosling's breach of bail charge dropped by prosecution

Labor MP Luke Gosling's breach of bail charge has been dropped by prosecutors during a short hearing in the Darwin Local Court. Mr Gosling still faces two charges of assaulting the Northern Territory administrator, which he denies. The MP's defence lawyer says the withdrawal of the breach of bail charge is a "first step, but a significant one, in the successful defence of all charges". A breach of bail charge against Luke Gosling has been dropped by prosecutors, with the federal MP continuing to deny assault allegations against him. During a short hearing in the Darwin Local Court this afternoon, prosecutor Jo Poole said the one breach of bail charge against Mr Gosling was being withdrawn, with no further details provided. A further two charges of assaulting Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly remain against Mr Gosling, although they were not mentioned in court today. Mr Gosling's bail conditions ban him from coming within 50 metres of NT Government House and require him to give Mr Connolly's office 48 hours' notice before attending an event where the two may be present. The NT administrator serves as the Crown's representative in the Territory, in a vice-regal role equivalent to a state governor. Mr Gosling's lawyer, Marty Aust SC, issued a statement after today's court hearing, saying the dropped breach of bail charge was "only the first step, but a significant one, in the successful defence of all charges". "Mr Gosling thanks the community for its ongoing support," he said. "Mr Gosling continues to deny all allegations and remains steadfast in his position. "However, he is unable to provide any further comment while the matter remains before the court." [Image text:] NICHOLS PLACE ZONE A