Max Paganoni of Max’s Red Hill facing perjury charges
A RENOWNED Red Hill restaurateur has been accused of lying to a magistrate and police, in relation to a drink-driving incident when a car he was a passenger in was pulled over in Mornington.
South East
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A RENOWNED Red Hill restaurateur has been accused of lying to a magistrate and police.
Maxwell Paganoni, of Max’s Restaurant fame, appeared at Frankston Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing charges of perjury and dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage.
The self-confessed Peninsula pioneer is contesting the charges.
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It is believed these charges stem from a drink-driving incident earlier this year when a driver, not Mr Paganoni, blew 0.149 on Mornington-Tyabb Rd in Mornington.
Mr Paganoni is a celebrated chef, known for his self-named multiple award-winning restaurant and winery.
On his website he says the Shoreham Rd business “enjoys iconic status as the first winery restaurant on the Peninsula”.
Court documents show the 49-year-old has been charged with committing wilful and corrupt perjury.
It is alleged he misled Frankston Court on April 23 this year by lying while under oath.
He is also charged with evading car impound costs of nearly $1000 by lying to police prosecutors on the same day.
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His alleged deception meant police and the magistrate did not oppose a vehicle being returned from the impound yard, thereby saving him the $975 fee.
It is alleged Mr Paganoni was in the passenger seat of the company car at the time.
But on April 23 he told the court under oath he wasn’t in the car when the drink-driving offence was committed.
Today’s magistrate Julian Ayres was the same magistrate who heard the original impound case, and said he would not be able to hear the matter any further due to a conflict of interest.
He said all hearings were recorded and transcribed, so whatever was said in April would be available as evidence for the next court date.
Mr Paganoni had his bail extended until October 24.
In Victoria perjury carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.
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