Jail for former MP who misled property kickbacks probe
Jack Gramenz |
A high-profile former MP has been jailed for misleading a corruption probe about potential profits from a major property deal.
Daryl Maguire, best known for his secret relationship with Gladys Berejiklian while she was NSW premier, was sentenced to a non-parole period of five months on Wednesday.
The former NSW MP was found guilty of giving misleading evidence at an Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry into a Sydney council in 2018.
The misleading evidence canvassed Maguire’s dealings with former Canterbury City councillor Michael Hawatt on a potential property development, in which Maguire could have received about $720,000 in commission.
“His evidence – there was nothing in it for him – was misleading,” Sydney magistrate Clare Farnan said when sentencing Maguire on Wednesday.
“In fact, he expected to receive part of a commission if the property was sold.”
Ms Farnan said it was difficult to determine the long-time Wagga Wagga MP’s motivation as Maguire maintained his innocence and did not give evidence about why he gave the misleading evidence.
“Mr Maguire was clearly trying to protect his reputation, possibly amongst other things,” she said.
Maguire has not demonstrated any remorse, the magistrate said.
But she found he had good prospects of rehabilitation and was unlikely to reoffend.
Ms Farnan said she would have imposed a 12-month term but for an almost five-year delay in prosecuting the offence.
Maguire’s lawyer indicated an appeal will be filed.
Former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack provided a letter of support for Maguire, telling the court of his hard work ethic and ongoing efforts to benefit the community.
Maguire served in the NSW coalition governments until his retirement in 2018.
He made headlines in 2020 when it emerged he had been in a secret “close personal relationship” for at least five years with Gladys Berejiklian while she was treasurer and then premier.
AAP
