Suspended Hawkesbury City Councillor Eddie Dogramaci appeared before Parramatta Local Court this week, where his criminal matter was listed for hearing in late August.
Cr Dogramaci has pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging he dishonestly obtained approximately $4,000 from Hawkesbury City Council. Two other charges that were originally laid have since been withdrawn by the prosecution, leaving one charge to proceed to hearing.
The matter is attracting interest beyond the courtroom because its outcome could have implications for Hawkesbury City Council's biannual mayoral election, due to be held in September.
If Cr Dogramaci is eligible to resume his duties before the mayoral election, his vote could prove significant in what is expected to be a closely contested ballot for the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Council represented in court
One aspect of this week's proceedings was Hawkesbury City Council's appearance through legal representatives from Marsdens Law Group.
The Council's lawyers appeared in relation to a subpoena issued by Cr Dogramaci seeking documents from Council that he says are relevant to his defence.
The Court heard submissions concerning the scope of the subpoena, with Council seeking to limit the documents produced. The Court will determine what material, if any, is to be provided.
The prosecution of the criminal charge is being conducted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the State.
Potential witnesses
It remains unclear which witnesses the prosecution intends to call during the hearing.
One person who may potentially be called is former Hawkesbury City Council General Manager Elizabeth Richardson, who held that position when the allegations first arose. At the time of publication, no witness list had been publicly confirmed by the Court.
Cr Dogramaci has previously indicated that he wishes to examine the circumstances in which the allegations were referred to police.
He has publicly questioned why internal Council processes were not used before the matter was referred to law enforcement. Those issues may be explored during the hearing if they become relevant and are permitted by the Court.
The Hawkesbury Gazette notes that no findings have been made regarding those matters.
Previous court proceedings
Ms Richardson has previously given evidence in unrelated court proceedings during her employment with another council. Any observations made by a Magistrate in those unrelated proceedings do not constitute findings in the present case and are not evidence in these proceedings.
Matter continues
The criminal proceedings remain before the Court.
Cr Dogramaci is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, and the charge against him has not been determined.
The Hawkesbury Gazette will continue to report the proceedings as they progress through the Court.
