Saul Holt QC to defend former mayor Allan Sutherland

One of the state’s top barristers will defend former mayor Allan Sutherland who was accused of misconduct by the CCC.

Former Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland’s case will not be back in court until April next year. Picture: Dominika Lis

One of the state’s pre-eminent barristers will defend charges laid against a former veteran mayor accused of misconduct.

Top barrister Saul Holt QC has been briefed to defend former Moreton Bay mayor Allan Sutherland, the Brisbane Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

The Crime and Corruption Commission charged Cr Sutherland with two misconduct offences and he was suspended from his position as mayor of Moreton Bay Regional Council in December last year.

Barrister Saul Holt QC. Picture: Jono Searle.

It is understood that one of the charges relates to a property Cr Sutherland owns at Paradise Rd, Burpengary and he previously said he intends to fight the charges.

At a brief mention in the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday, the court heard that the CCC brief was “very complicated” but at this stage at least 16 witnesses may be called.

The Australian reported earlier this year that two high-profile, state Treasurer Cameron Dick and Police Minister Mark Ryan are both listed as witnesses in the CCC case.

Cr Sutherland was the former mayor of Redcliffe City Council and had served as the mayor of Moreton Bay since 2008 before his suspension.

The matter will next be in court on April 7 and was listed for a directions hearing.