Former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale says he will fight charges laid against him after he was granted bail after a night spent behind bars.
The 65-year-old was granted bail on three charges including extortion after he appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday in a standard-issue brown watchhouse tracksuit. He had been arrested the day before by the Crime and Corruption Commission and charged.
More QLD News Videos
- Video duration
- 02:28
Pisasale retires from Ipswich Council
Pisasale retires from Ipswich Council
Long serving Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale resigns from Ipswich City Council, citing a multiple sclerosis attack. 7 News Queensland
Up Next
Missing teacher's husband to be extradited
- Video duration
- 00:58
- Video duration
- 00:58
Missing teacher's husband to be extradited
Missing teacher's husband to be extradited
John Wallace Edwards is alleged to have been involved in his wife's disappearance.
Up Next
Brisbane flood map released
- Video duration
- 01:17
- Video duration
- 01:17
Brisbane flood map released
Brisbane flood map released
A flood map compiled from 170 years of rainfall figures shows which Brisbane properties are likely to go under water in a major rain event. Nine News
Up Next
Homes ablaze at Westlake
- Video duration
- 00:37
- Video duration
- 00:37
Homes ablaze at Westlake
Homes ablaze at Westlake
RAW VISION: Two houses are engulfed by fire at Westlake, west of Brisbane on Thursday. 7 News Queensland
Up Next
Holidays: before and after kids
- Video duration
- 01:35
- Video duration
- 01:35
Holidays: before and after kids
Holidays: before and after kids
Holidays are vastly different now that Brisbane Times video editor Scott Beveridge has a young family.
Up Next
Thieves have sex on boat
- Video duration
- 01:10
- Video duration
- 01:10
Thieves have sex on boat
Thieves have sex on boat
A man and woman who allegedly stole items from a boat in Cairns on Sunday morning are filmed "doing something more in the front of the boat".
Up Next
Quirk delivers budget for 'prosperity'
- Video duration
- 09:41
- Video duration
- 09:41
Quirk delivers budget for 'prosperity'
Quirk delivers budget for 'prosperity'
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk pledges $1 billion for infrastructure, $655 million for public transport, $50 million for Brisbane Metro and a 2.4% rate rise.
Pisasale retires from Ipswich Council
Long serving Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale resigns from Ipswich City Council, citing a multiple sclerosis attack. 7 News Queensland
Outside court, Mr Pisasale said he was on his way to the doctor and would be fighting the charges against him.
"All my life people know I have fought for Ipswich and fought for fair and I am going to continue," he said.
Related Content
"I am waiting for due process to happen."
In court, police prosecutor Sergeant Matt Kahler had objected to bail being granted.
The man who resigned as mayor a fortnight ago wearing pyjamas and socks had his hands tucked under his legs and head down as Deputy Chief Magistrate Terry Gardiner read the police objection to bail affidavit.
Mr Pisasale's lawyer, Glen Cranny, requested the document not be made publicly available as it would be an "additional burden" on his client.
Mr Gardiner accepted the request, sealing the affidavit.
The former mayor was granted bail on the condition he hand in his Australian and Italian passports and not contact or approach the alleged victims involved in his charges.
His matter has been adjourned until July 17.
Known as "Mr Ipswich", Mr Pisasale was until recently Australia's most popular mayor, attracting almost 84 per cent of the vote in last year's mayoral race.
After 13 years in the top job, he resigned from office at an Ipswich hospital, citing health concerns stemming from his long battle with multiple sclerosis.
"It's a very sad day for me and a very emotional day," Mr Pisasale said on June 6.
A day later it was revealed he had been stopped at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport by Australian Federal Police with $50,000.
Brisbane barrister Sam Di Carlo told reporters he had asked the then-mayor to carry the cash through the airport as part of a Supreme Court settlement.
A CCC spokesman said the charges had "nothing to do with the fifty grand" found on Mr Pisasale at Melbourne airport on May 12 or Operation Belcarra, the organisation's investigation into the 2016 local elections.
A byelection will be held to replace Mr Pisasale.
And acting Ipswich Mayor Paul Tully officially declared on Wednesday he would run in the city's coming mayoral election, following the shock resignation of his predecessor.
Mr Tully said the charges against Mr Pisasale had "shocked" him, as he announced he would seek to take over from him when the Ipswich mayoral election was held in August.
Key developments:
- June 6: Paul Pisasale resigns from Ipswich City Council, citing ill health
- June 7: It emerged that Mr Pisasale had been stopped at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport with $50,000 cash
- June 8: Brisbane barrister Sam Di Carlo said he had asked Mr Pisasale to carry the money.
- June 14: Independent MP Rob Pyne uses parliamentary privilege to level serious allegations against Mr Pisasale.
- June 20: Mr Pisasale is arrested, facing three charges
- June 21: The former Queensland mayor is granted bail.