Billionaire 'Lambo Guy' Adrian Portelli Faces Court Four Years After Alleged Hooning Incident.
Adrian Portelli, 36, the billionaire businessman and reality TV personality known as “Lambo Guy,” is set to return to Melbourne’s Sunshine Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to face hooning allegations that have been lingering for over four years.
Portelli, 36, is accused of reckless driving just before Christmas in 2020. Police allege he was behind the wheel of his grey Mercedes Benz C63 coupe when he lost control of the vehicle and caused it to lose traction while navigating a roundabout in Diggers Rest, Melbourne’s western suburbs.
The alleged offense led to charges of careless driving, failing to have proper control of the vehicle, and driving in a manner causing the vehicle to lose traction.
Though the alleged incident occurred in December 2020, it took police more than a month to charge Portelli, with formal charges being laid on January 30, 2021. His car was impounded immediately after the alleged event.
Portelli’s barrister, Penny Marcou, has vigorously challenged the police evidence. She argues that the officers could not have accurately observed the incident from a distance of 255 meters. The defense suggests that the police officer, who claimed to have seen the Mercedes lose traction, may have created false memories due to Portelli’s public profile.
Adrian Portelli (@adrian_portelli Instagram)
Despite this challenge, prosecutors are expected to press on with the case, seeking to prove that Portelli was indeed guilty of the charges during his upcoming court appearance. Magistrate Michael McNamara will preside over the case, which is expected to draw significant media attention.
Adrian Portelli, who rose to fame for his lavish lifestyle and a notable appearance on The Block in 2022, is no stranger to controversy. His public image as a billionaire has been the subject of multiple high-profile incidents.
In early 2023, Portelli sparked outrage after a clash with journalist Fiona Byrne. When a headline referred to him as “Lambo Guy” — a nickname he disliked — Portelli used his 460,000 Instagram followers to launch a public campaign against Byrne.
This resulted in a harassment pile-on targeting the journalist, with online trolls attacking her appearance and personal life.
Portelli’s dispute with the media didn’t end there. After offering $50,000 for the first journalist to call him by his preferred nickname, “McLaren Guy,” Alex Cullen, a sports reporter with Nine’s Today show, lost his job for complying with Portelli’s request. Portelli later removed his call for online harassment but continued to flaunt his wealth by posting images of his $4.3 million Lamborghini speedboat.
Despite his controversies, Portelli has also been involved in charity work. In December 2023, he donated $150,000 worth of Coles grocery vouchers to struggling families in Western Sydney, helping them with their food expenses during tough times.
Portelli’s legal troubles extend beyond the hooning charges. He is also facing a separate investigation from South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services regarding his business practices.
Specifically, Portelli’s company, LMCT+, which operates a subscription-based lottery, is under scrutiny for allegedly running unlawful lotteries. This investigation, launched in September 2023, could lead to charges for Portelli personally and for LMCT+.
If convicted on all counts, Portelli could face up to $190,000 in fines. A South Australian Magistrates' Court hearing is scheduled for March 6, 2025, where the case will be discussed further.
Adrian Portelli (@adrian_portelli Instagram)
With an estimated net worth of over $1 billion, Adrian Portelli has built much of his fortune through his LMCT+ lottery business. Despite his success, his reputation has been marred by controversies, from his hooning charges to his aggressive social media campaigns and business practices.
While his influence in the world of luxury cars and reality television remains strong, Portelli’s legal battles are a reminder of the scrutiny that often comes with fame, especially when it intersects with legal and ethical challenges.
As Portelli heads to court on Tuesday to face the hooning charges, eyes will be on his legal defense and whether he can avoid further public and legal fallout.
Whether or not he is convicted on the hooning charges, the mounting pressure from his other legal battles will likely continue to affect his public image and business operations.
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