Former Bathurst Mayor Bobby Bourke charged with blackmail

Embattled former Bathurst Mayor Bobby Bourke has professed his innocence after being charged for allegedly blackmailing another councillor.

Embattled former Bathurst Mayor Bobby Bourke has professed his innocence and accused opponents of a political attack after being charged over allegedly blackmailing another councillor.

The 66-year-old was arrested in Bathurst on Friday and charged with blackmail and misconduct in public office following allegations he was involved in a blackmail attempt against Councillor Jacqui Rudge.

Ms Rudge allegedly received a letter in March 2020 threatening to expose her mental health battles unless she resigned, prompting a police investigation.

Former Bathurst Mayor Bobby Bourke. Picture: Jane Dempster

Police will allege former campaign manager Daryl Ley, 63, was also involved in sending the letter. He was arrested and charged with blackmail on Friday.

Speaking exclusively to The Saturday Telegraph, Bourke strenuously denied the allegations he had written or sent the letter.

“I’m innocent,” he said. “I’ve been upfront that I didn’t write the letter.

“When you’re on council you always have opponents and they are fierce. The whole thing is just a political game.”

Bourke stepped down as mayor in July in the wake of the allegations, paving the way for the appointment of incumbent Mayor Ian North.

That same month Bourke survived a no-confidence motion calling on him to quit council.

Earlier this week he announced he would run for re-election in the upcoming council election.

Bourke and Ley are both due to appear at Bathurst Local Court on January 19 next year.

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