Suspended Hawkesbury City Councillor Eddie Dogramaci has been cleared of the remaining criminal charge against him following proceedings in Parramatta Local Court today.
The outcome brings to an end criminal proceedings arising from an approximately $4,109 claim for council-funded computer equipment.
The Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the three original charges against Cr Dogramaci when the hearing began on Monday and substituted a single charge of attempted fraud. Cr Dogramaci pleaded not guilty.
Cr Dogramaci has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
Attention will now turn to whether and when his suspension from Hawkesbury City Council will be lifted. The court outcome may not automatically restore him to civic office, and the Gazette has sought confirmation from the NSW Minister for Local Government and the Office of Local Government.
Deputy Mayor Sarah McMahon and Councillors Amanda Kotlash, Mary Lyons-Buckett and Danielle Wheeler attended the opening day of the hearing on Monday, observing proceedings from the public gallery. None of the four was present in the gallery today when the remaining charge against Cr Dogramaci was dismissed.
Sources close to Cr Dogramaci say he is relieved by the outcome and ready to return to work. The Gazette understands he intends to contact the NSW Minister for Local Government this afternoon regarding his suspension and return to civic office.
“Thanks to those who supported me and trusted me, and special thanks to those who didn’t support me,” Cr Dogramaci said.
Cr Dogramaci said he entered politics to represent the Hawkesbury community, particularly struggling families, unemployed residents and people who believe they have been treated unfairly.
More to follow.
