‘Sits badly’: Louise Elliot unhappy with outcome clearing Anna Reynolds
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds is happy her assault charges have been dropped, but the other councillor involved has been left fuming. LATEST >>
Tasmania
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Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds says she wants to get on with the job after Tasmania Police said they would drop assault charges against her, but the councillor who pursued police action says she feels let down.
Ms Reynolds was charged with the summary offence of common assault after an alleged incident between her and Louise Elliot in May 2022, who is now a councillor.
It was alleged Ms Reynolds grabbed Ms Elliot on the arm to get her attention, however Ms Reynolds said the incident involved a touch on the arm, not a grab.
She was due to appear at the Hobart Magistrates Court in May, but on Monday police announced the charge was dropped.
“I welcome this news but as the process is still being finalised it’s not appropriate to comment in detail,” Ms Reynolds said.
Ms Elliot said she was “deeply troubled” by the decision to drop the charges.
She said she felt let down by the decision.
On Monday, a spokesperson for Tasmania Police said the charge was dropped following a review by the department’s principal legal officer.
They said the review included consideration of additional witness statements, before it was determined the matter be discontinued.
Fabiano Cangelosi said the courts would be overwhelmed if every “low level” allegation were prosecuted.
Assault charge against Lord Mayor dropped by police
An assault charge against Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds will be dropped, police say.
Ms Reynolds was charged in March with the summary offence of common assault, after an alleged incident between her and now councillor Louise Elliot, during a public meeting last year.
The allegation in question dated back to a meeting in May 2022 about the University of Tasmania’s move into the Hobart CBD.
Ms Reynolds has denied the accusation and said she would defend the charges.
The case was listed before the Hobart Magistrates Court in May, but will not proceed, a police spokeswoman said.
“A charge of common assault against a 56-year-old Hobart woman will be discontinued following a review of the file by the Department’s Principal Legal Officer,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.
“The review included consideration of additional witness statements.
“It was then determined the matter would be discontinued. It is not appropriate to provide further comment.”
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