THE son of WA Premier Colin Barnett says he is confident charges laid against him following a dispute with this girlfriend on the Gold Coast will be dropped.

Sam Barnett spoke outside lawyer Campbell MacCallum’s office following a brief appearance at the Southport Magistrates Court.

Barnett said he was “very confident” the wilful damage charges would be dropped.

“The police have been wonderful to work with and together we’re coming out with a just outcome for all parties,” he said.

Barnett said he was not embarrassed about the incident because it was “something very different to the events that transpired”.

“I just want people to know it was for property damage, it was the damage of my laptop,” he said.

“I just don’t want the connotation of domestic violence to be associated in this situation.”

Barnett said had not spoken to his dad, the WA Premier.

“I think dad probably believes I’m capable of handling this by myself,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to mum and mum’s not thrilled but I’m sure dad is forming his own opinion and doing whatever.”

Originally published as WA Premier’s son faces court