LNP to review donation made by Michael Trout following guilty plea
The LNP is yet to determine where it will direct a donation made by a Far North party official who has been found guilty of affray in a Cairns court this week.
The LNP is yet to determine where it will direct a donation made by a Far North party official who has been found guilty of affray in a Cairns court this week.
Former Barron River MP Michael Trout was sentenced to 60 hours community service with no conviction recorded following an incident where he punched a woman in the face during a Holloways Beach street fight in May last year.
In July last year, the LNP accepted a $17,500 “non-political” donation from the former Blazing Saddles owner.
Just weeks later, Trout was charged with two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of unlawful stalking.
At the Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday the serious charges were downgraded to one count of affray.
An LNP spokesman said the finding would be reviewed in the coming days before a decision was made.
“The LNP will assess the facts of the case and outcome before determining where the donation is directed,” the spokesman said.
Deputy Labor leader Cameron Dick said the donation should be been given away to a charity.
“Premier David Crisafulli and the LNP should dump Michael Trout from the party and give the $17,500 to a service that supports victims of crime,” Mr Dick said.
“His guilty plea today raises serious questions about his role within the party and involvement in preselection at last year’s election.”
The Premier fielded multiple questions related to Mr Trout on Wednesday morning but refused to provide any details on what would happen to his former colleague’s donation.
“Let’s let the court take this process,” Mr Crisafulli said.
Mr Trout, who volunteered for current Member for Barron River Bree James’ campaign prior to being charged, didn’t comment after leaving court.
On Wednesday Trout was sentenced to community service by Magistrate Terence Browne with no conviction recorded after pleading guilty to affray.
More Coverage
Originally published as LNP to review donation made by Michael Trout following guilty plea
