Paul Pisasale granted bail after appearing in Brisbane court charged with extortion and assault
UPDATE: Former Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale has spoken for the first time after appearing in court this morning on extortion and assault charges, telling media he has always “fought for fair”.
Crime & Justice
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FORMER Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale has spoken for the first time since he was charged with extortion and assault yesterday.
Pisasale has left the Brisbane Watch House after being granted bail this morning.
Paul Pisasale leaves Brisbane Watchouse after appearing in court this morning @couriermail pic.twitter.com/zjHLc3Dgi5
— Chris Honnery (@cjhonnery) June 21, 2017
He spoke briefly to media outside mentioning his health and the city of Ipswich.
“All my life I’ve ... fought for fair and I’m going to continue to do that,” he said.
“I’m going to wait for the due process to happen.”
When asked if he was worried about the legal proceedings Pisasale said it would be a “worrying time for anybody”.
As Pisasale stepped into a waiting vehicle he spoke of his support for the city of Ipswich. “Ipswich is a great place and will continue to be a great place,” Pisasale said.
He said he would “of course be” fighting the charges and thanked the media for being at court.
“First thing I want to do is thank everyone for showing up,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Ipswich deputy mayor and current acting mayor Paul Tully has announced he will run for the role vacated by embattled Paul Pisasale.
Cr Tully confirmed his intention to seek the mayoralty at the upcoming by-election, at a press conference on Wednesday.
The by-election is expected to be held in August.
“In the last week or so I’ve been overwhelmed with support from people asking me to run for mayor,” Cr Tully said.
EARLIER: Former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale has been granted bail after appearing in a Brisbane court this morning.
Pisasale received no special treatment as he appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court barefoot and wearing a prison brown tracksuit.
He remained silent during the hearing, seated with his hands tucked underneath his legs.
Pisasale has been granted bail on the condition he stay away from international departure points and not contact witnesses.
A magistrate has also ordered details from the police objection to bail documents not be published.
Pisasale left the dock after the 45 minute hearing and will be released today. He is due back in Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 17.
The 65-year-old was arrested yesterday afternoon, and charged with extortion, and two other charges arising from the alleged assault of a woman.
More to come
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