‘Ego took over’: Pisasale’s sobbing apology to judge

Former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale has cried through his sensational apology to a judge after he pleaded guilty to 35 charges including sexual assault and official corruption, claiming his thirst of popularity was behind his “out of control” behaviour.

DISGRACED ex-Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale has sensationally made an personal apology the judge sentencing him over crimes he committed while he was head of the city, saying his “obsession” for popularity and “ego” cause him to spiral out of control.

The apology came during Pisasale’s sentencing hearing in the Ipswich District Court after he pleaded guilty to 35 charges including sexual assault and official corruption.

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The once-popular mayor on Thursday stood in the dock of the courthouse in city he told the court he loves, crying in parts of his “personal and public apology” for crimes crown prosecutor Sarah Farnden moments earlier had described as being “a pivotal part of the culture that was created that involved systemic corruption within the council”.

Disgraced Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale in court. Picture: Richard Gosling

Pisasale said his journey from “the man I was, to the man I became, to the man I am today” was one of “success … pain and hurt”.

“One that started by a strong vision to help the people of Ipswich, that turned into obsession, self absorbtion and a lack of judgment,” he said

“It became one of the hardest and darkest periods of my life”.

From the dock, wearing a blue suit, Pisasale said most of his life he had worked hard for people of Ipswich to give them “dignity through work”.

He told the court he had wanted Ipswich to be a world-class city.

“I was so very proud of what we achieved, I wanted to tell the world,” Pisasale said.

The 69-year-old said as the city grew and he achieved more success and more people sought out his attention.

“Some of the most influential people from all over the world would seek my advice, they wanted me to speak and attended functions,” Pisasale explained.

“My mind and ego took over and my behaviour was out of control now.

“I wanted more and more boosts in my popularity.

“People around me tried to talk to me, I would not listen.

“I was driven by my obsession and I failed everyone.”

Prosecution Sarah Farnden said Pisasale was “a pivotal part of the culture that was created that involved systemic corruption within the council”. Picture: Jodie Richter

Pisasale as mayor of the city he “should have known better”.

“I accept all responsibly for my actions,” he said, apologising to his family and the “beautiful people of Ipswich”.

“I’m so sorry for the hurt I’ve cause and I know that our efforts will continue,” Pisasale said.

The former mayor said he had taken time in jail to reflect on what drove him to commit the offences.

“One thing I’m sure of, in all the time I’ve reflected on the past, my actions rest with me and me only,” Pisasale told the court.

“I’m not a bad person but I’ve made some bad decisions that were intended to help but ended up to hurting many.”

He said he had “reconnected with his faith” and there was nothing more important in life than forgiveness.

He said he would never let anyone down again and had committed to be a “better and stronger person than the one I was at the end who lost his way”.

Sentence will be passed on him next week.

Originally published as ‘Ego took over’: Pisasale’s sobbing apology to judge