Disappearing act in legal theatrics saga

THE true-life soap opera starring former LNP federal candidate and local councillor Hajnal Black stretches on.

THE true-life soap opera starring former LNP federal candidate and local councillor Hajnal Black stretches on, as she continues to evade Queensland police trying to serve a warrant for her arrest.

In a saga that rates in the "only-in-Queensland" category, Mrs Black's husband and fellow Logan City Councillor tearfully insisted yesterday he had no idea where she was.

Police have been calling at their home to serve an arrest warrant on Mrs Black issued last Friday, after she stormed out of a court hearing into whether she had failed to declare a pecuniary interest while in public office.

Criminal charges have been brought by the Queensland Department of Local Government and stem from a Supreme Court judge's finding last year that she had misused the money of a dementia patient for whom she was trustee.

The legal theatrics have overshadowed her former claim to fame -- how she added 8cm to her once-diminutive frame with leg-lengthening surgery in Russia in 2002.

Mrs Black, 34, missed a series of court deadlines to appeal against judge David Boddice's decision, prompting an attack from local state Labor MP and retiring state parliamentary Speaker John Mickel that she was making a mockery of the justice system.

Husband Sean Black hit back yesterday and accused Mr Mickel of mocking her in "sexist and ridiculous" terms. The Labor man had told the local paper: "Just because she's had her own legs pulled, there's no need to be pulling ours or the cops'."

Mr Black asked reporters: "Could you imagine the outcry if a male conservative politician commented on a female's breast enhancements?

"What would you think if John Mickel started to talk sleazy about your wife's cosmetic surgery and insecurities?"

With his eyes brimming, he said the only contact he had had from his wife was an email on Wednesday night to say she was safe.

"She will not reveal her location to me. . . yes, I am extremely worried about my wife. I love her dearly," said Mr Black, who serves with her on Logan City Council and is also campaign manager for the LNP candidate contesting the state seat being relinquished by Mr Mickel.

Police said they would continue to look for Mrs Black.