Corrupt former Metro Trains boss Peter Bollas avoids jail

A former Metro Trains manager who received $30,000 in secret commissions in exchange for contracts has been spared jail by a sympathetic judge.

A corrupt former Metro Trains boss who received $30,000 in secret commissions in exchange for contracts has been spared jail by a sympathetic judge to help care for his “profoundly” disabled daughter.

Peter Bollas, 49, wore a dark blue suit and rested his head on a walking cane as he was sentenced at the County Court on Wednesday, charged with one count of receiving secret commissions while working for Metro Trains in 2020.

Bollas, who was the head of fleet operational support at Metro Trains at the time, received $10,000 in May 2020 and $20,000 in July that year from the director of a cleaning company in exchange for contracts.

He was among seven people charged as part of an IBAC investigation in late 2021 into allegations that senior public officials improperly influenced the awarding of major contracts with V/Line and Metro.

Peter Bollas leaves the County Court on Wednesday.

Despite Judge Gerard Mullaly describing the offending as a “breach of government and public trust” he showed “mercy” in his sentencing, stating that Bollas’ imprisonment would have a significant impact on the family’s care of his daughter who requires 24/7 assistance.

The court heard Bollas’ daughter lives with a rare genetic disease that only has about 100 reported cases globally and that he was one of only a handful of people properly trained to care for her.

“A hardship of this kind requires a sentence of a different kind,” Judge Mullaly said.

Also going in Bollas’ favour was his early plea of guilty, where he made “full and frank admissions” to his offending, including providing prosecutors with a 16 page statement outlining his involvement.

Judge Mullaly said his remorse and co-operation with police has formed a “solid foundation for reform”.

“Overall (the prosecution) categorised your help as significant,” he said.

“I have confidence you will reform and the chances of you reoffending are remote.

“Your unique circumstances have led me to a sentence not involving jail.”

Bollas was convicted and handed a 3.5 year community corrections order where he must complete 300 hours of volunteer work.