Former SA Public Trustee worker Brian John Turner faces court accused of mishandling $14M estate following ICAC investigation
Decades ago he was entrusted with managing other people’s wills and estates – now prosecutors allege this former public servant mishandled $14 million of other people’s money.
Police & Courts
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EDITOR'S NOTE: On November 17, 2023, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions tendered no evidence against Brian John Turner, and the case was dismissed by Judge Simon Stretton of the District Court.
A former Public Trustee worker has faced court following an anti-corruption investigation, accused of mishandling an estate valued at $14 million almost two decades ago.
Brian John Turner, 73, of Felixstow, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He has yet to plead to one count of abuse of public office.
Last month, Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander QC alleged Turner’s offending occurred between April 1, 2004 and October 11, 2006.
He alleged that, between those times, Turner worked as an estates service officer at the Public Trustee – a State Government department responsible for wills and administration.
Mr Lander alleged Turner “failed to perform or discharge an official duty or function whilst handling an estate valued at $14 million”.
He further alleged Turner did so “with the intention of either securing a benefit for others or causing a detriment to another person”.
The court has yet to hear details as to how Turner’s alleged offending was carried out, and for whom he allegedly sought to secure a benefit.
On Thursday, prosecutor Peter Longson said his office had finished reviewing the evidence gathered by ICAC investigators.
“(This matter) has been the subject of opinion (from senior counsel), and charge determination has already been made,” he said.
“It’s now just a question of getting the material provided to defence.”
Magistrate Briony Kennewell adjourned the matter until next month.
Turner left court flanked by supports and did not respond to questions from journalists.
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