Former Wingecarribee Shire Council acting general manager Barry Paull to fight charge of assault

The former acting general manager of Wingecarribee Shire Council allegedly ‘shoved’ a young journalist in a Moss Vale pub after a heated community meeting.

The former acting general manager of Wingecarribee Shire Council will fight the charge of assaulting a young journalist in a Moss Vale pub during a special hearing later this year.

Barry Paull, 58, had been slated to appear in Moss Vale court on Monday to fight the charge of assault but the hearing has been delayed due to a directive from the Chief Magistrate to pause defended hearings until at least February due to the Covid strain.

Police allege Mr Paull assaulted the 23-year-old journalist in a Moss Vale pub about 6pm on March 9 last year after a fiery council meeting which left two councillors shouting at each other.

Former acting general manager of Wingecarribee Shire Council Barry Paull has been charged with assaulting a young journalist.

Police allege the assault occurred after the young journalist asked to take a photograph of a group of councillors and council staff who were at the Moss Vale Hotel after the meeting, but the group refused.

According to police, Mr Paull then allegedly grabbed the arm of the journalist and pushed her out of the area. Police confirmed the young woman did not require medical treatment.

Police undertook a month-long investigation into the alleged assault, taking extra caution due to the sensitive nature of the issue and the high profile of the alleged assailant.

Multiple witnesses attended the police station to give statements and CCTV footage taken from the venue was reviewed thoroughly.

Southern Highlands Express journalist Madeleine Achenza was allegedly pushed out of the pub by Barry Paull after asking to take a photograph.

On Monday, Moss Vale court heard the evidence tendered to the court included the transcript of what was recorded on the police body-worn video, as well as phone records and police officer statements.

Police prosecutor Peter Robinson said the prosecution intends to call on up to 11 civilian witnesses and one police witness to support their case.

The court heard the hearing will require a special fixture of two days to ensure the case can be heard in full.

Mr Paull resigned from his position at Wingecarribee Shire Council on April 7 last year, a week and a half before he was formally charged by police. He had previously applied for the general manager role after serving as the acting general manager for approximately nine months.

Barry Paull will fight the charge of assault in Moss Vale court. Picture: Wesley Lonergan

The charges were headline news after a year of dysfunction for the local council, which was suspended by Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock on March 12 (three days after the alleged assault).

Ms Hancock acknowledged she had “serious concerns” about the Wingecarribee Council and installed an interim administrator.

Mr Paull will appear in Moss Vale Court to fight the charges during a special hearing on June 22 and 23.