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Fraud charges against eight former Logan City councillors dropped almost two years after sacking
Posted Yesterday at 11:40pm
TueTuesday 13
updated 45
Former Mayor Luke Smith was one of the eight councillors charged.
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Fraud charges against eight former Logan City councillors have been dropped – almost two years after their arrests triggered the entire council s sacking.
Key points:
The charges led to the then Local Government Minister sacking the entire council
The court found there was not enough evidence to sustain the charges
Seven Logan City Councillors and former mayor Luke Smith had all been charged by Queensland s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) with fraud relating to former council chief executive Sharon Kelsey s dismissal.
Fraud charge dropped against eight former councillors A fraud charge against former mayor Luke Smith and seven ex-councillors has been dropped, but Mr Smith still faces alleged misconduct in public office case.
Crime by Kay Dibben
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Subscriber only Cheers and applause rang out in a Brisbane Court today as a fraud charge against former Logan mayor Luke Smith and seven ex-councillors was dropped. Luke Smith was committed to stand trial in the District Court on two charges of misconduct in public office. Smith and ex-councillors Cherie Daley, Russell Lutton, Steve Swenson, Laurence Smith, Phil Pidgeon, Trevina Schwarz and Jennie Breene were each charged with fraud in April, 2019.
Prosecutors officially discontinued the charges at a hearing in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A public gallery packed with councillors, family and supporters erupted in cheers and celebration as their fight for justice was finally declared to be over.
Outside court, many could not hold back tears as the realisation that the legal fight to clear their names - one that had destroyed marriages, relationships and careers - was finally over.
Seven former councillors Russell Lutton, Cherie Dalley, Phil Pidgeon, Steve Swenson, Laurie Smith, Trevina Schwarz and Jennie Breene and former mayor Luke Smith were charged with fraud by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
Fraud charge dropped against eight former councillors noosanews.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from noosanews.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.