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NSW Premier turns himself in to police

Mike Baird has coffee with his wife Kerryn. Mr Baird was leaving after a beachside coffee when he was caught. Photo: AAP

Mike Baird has coffee with his wife Kerryn. Mr Baird was leaving after a beachside coffee when he was caught. Photo: AAP

New South Wales’ Premier Mike Baird has dobbed himself into police, after a highway patrol officer let him off with a warning for a driving fine.

Mr Baird was stopped for performing an illegal U-turn while not wearing a seat belt, but a young highway patrol officer let the Premier leave with only a warning, News Corp reported.

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The Premier copped a $311 fine and lost three demerit points for the outlawed move at South Curl Curl in June, after reporting himself to a senior police officer.

mike baird coffee

Mike Baird has coffee with his wife Kerryn. Mr Baird was leaving after a beachside coffee when he was caught. Photo: AAP

“I was pulled over for a traffic offence on the June long weekend,” Mr Baird said.

“The officer issued me with a warning but I subsequently contacted the police and asked them to issue me with a fine to ensure there could be absolutely no suggestion of special treatment.

“I was fined $311 and lost points. I have since paid the fine.”

Mr Baird had been for coffee with his wife at a Northern Beaches cafe before being stopped for the infringement.

When he was spotted by the officer he was driving while putting on his seatbelt and pulling an illegal U-turn across double white lines.

The road was a narrow seafront strip, according to reports and the officer chatted to him before letting him go.

Once Mr Baird got home he had second thoughts about what had happened and phoned his local police commander.

It reportedly took several days for police to track down the officer involved.

A NSW Police spokesman said the officer was entitled not to issue the Premier ticket.

“All officers have the legal authority to use discretion in the performance of their duty,” he said. “They are required to act in good faith at all times but every officer is taught the use of discretion is a very important tool in their kitbag.

“Discretion must be used reasonably and appropriately and that will depend on the circumstances.”

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