Former Fraser Coast mayor guilty of misconduct in public office, jailed for six months

Former Fraser Coast mayor Chris Lift stood solemnly with his hands behind his back as he was jailed for a “breach of trust” and “a gross error of judgment on his part”.

Former Fraser Coast mayor Chris Loft has been jailed after being found guilty of misconduct in a public office. Picture: Glenn Hunt

FORMER Fraser Coast mayor Chris Loft will spend six months in jail for manipulating the council’s hiring process to try to secure his friend a senior position.

After deliberating for just over an hour, a Hervey Bay District Court jury yesterday found Loft guilty of misconduct in a public office.

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Former Fraser Coast mayor Chris Loft leaves Hervey Bay courthouse during his trial. Picture: Jessica Lamb

During the trial, the court heard Loft tailored a job position and manipulated the hiring process to benefit his former campaign manager Brian Downie.

Crown prosecutor Sam Bain said the crime was “serious offending”.

“It was calculated and manipulative in the sense that it was strategic and done in a covert way,” Mr Bain said.

“This is a serious case of nepotism and the seriousness of the offence had to be reflected in the sentence.”

Mr Bain told the court the crime occurred at a “high level”.

“He was the mayor, the most senior position held in council,” the prosecutor said.

Defence barrister Mitch Rawlings said Loft had no previous criminal history and was actively involved in his community.

The court heard Loft had been married for 38 years and has five children and 10 grandchildren and is an elder in his church.

“Mr Loft ran for mayor as he felt he could benefit the community more as mayor,” Mr Rawlings said.

The 68-year-old grandfather stood solemnly with his hands behind his back as Judge Gary Long handed down the sentence.

He was convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. He was ordered to serve six months behind bars, with the remainder of the sentence to be suspended.

“It is clear the jury’s verdict against you is a serious one,” Judge Long said.

He said Loft’s crime was a “breach of trust” and “a gross error of judgment on his part”.