This morning, Monday January 16, 2012, The Advertiser Newspaper has carried a story about myself, Ralf Hadzic, of Life is a Cabernet Pty. Ltd.
I have reported cycling star Stuart O'Grady for an assault on myself while transporting him and a party of three from a dinner at the Lane Restaurant, Hahndorf on January 10.
I picked up the touring party from Mr. O'Grady's home in Unley Park. Mr. O'Grady was enjoying a beer with his neighbor while we waited for the other two members of his party to arrive.
Once those guests arrived they served those guests a drink.
My O'Grady's wife then came outside to very politely ask if they were permitted to consume champagne on board my vehicle.
I am duly licensed to allow that to occur.
Mr. O'Grady and his male guest entered my vehicle with two bottles of beer each which they consumed on the drive to the Lane. The ladies enjoyed one glass of champagne each on the journey as well.
Mr. O'Grady asked me who would be completing their return journey at 11:00pm and I replied I would.
He said, well let me apologise already. I thought he was joking.
At 10:30pm, a representative of the Lane rang my mobile asking me where I was situated only expecting me to be in place at 11:00pm.
When I replied that I was already in the car park, he sighed with relief asking me to come up and get the party straight away as the evening was about to go "pear shaped".
When I walked in the Restaurant I saw Mr. O'Grady posing for photos with guests.
He was horsing around with his Tour De France trophy which he preceeded to drop and smash into numerous pieces.
The owner of the restaurant, Mr. John Edwards, had the pieces picked up and bag and handed them to me as he bundle Mr. O'Grady to my vehicle.
It was at this point that I should have refused carrying M' O'Grady but I did not wish to create a scene in front of the A List guests who were all about to leave themselves given the guest of honor was leaving.
From the moment Mr. O'grady entered my vehicle the situation soured from seeing a Sporting hero become an obnoxious drunk.
Mr. O'Grady would not put on his seat belt.
He jumped within the rows of seats while we were mobile and caused drinks to be spillled.
At one stage he threw a beer bottle towards the back seat but it bounced on the seat and hit the back window, fortunately not breaking it.
Once again I implored Mr. O'Grady to sit down and belt up but he ignored that directive.
It was at this stage that Mr. O'Grady laid hands on me.
It was shock more than pain that went through my mind knowing that I had 4 guests and myself to get to Unley Park safely. No one of Mr. O'Grady's Party were able to control him, least of all me.
All the while Mr. O'Grady's language was deplorable which included him asking me what my sexual preference was and what my favorite position was. His language to his wife was inexcusable.
I just wanted this trip to end.
The next day I received a call from Mr. O'Grady from a mobile phone. He asked me what it would take to make this go away. He offered an apology. He then added that he was a great South Australian and conducted many charitable acts so was therefore excused for an occassional indiscretion.
I told him that I was grateful for his apology but would be pursuing my legal options in regard to the stress he had caused his party and myself.
I am very familiar with Celebrities as my company transports many of them on their visits to Adelaide. Several have become friends.
I am not seeking 15 minutes of fame.
I too believe that I am a Great South Australian not necessarily for sporting prowess but for my involvemnet in such icons as being the man behind Television's Fat Cat and my very proud work promoting tourism in South Australia through my wide and varied interest in Touring and transport.
I do not lose control hoping for forgiveness and absolution the next day.
Yours sincerely,
Ralf J. Hadzic - Managing Director
Life is a Cabernet