Daryl Maguire Sentenced to 10 Months in Jail for Providing False Testimony to ICAC

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A former MP of high renown has received a jail sentence for providing deceptive evidence during a corruption investigation regarding potential earnings from a significant property transaction, before being released on bail roughly an hour later.

Daryl Maguire, who gained attention due to his covert relationship with Gladys Berejiklian during her tenure as NSW premier, has been sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment, with a minimum non-parole period of five months, on Wednesday.

The ex-NSW MP was judged guilty of supplying false testimony at an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry surrounding a Sydney council back in 2018.

About an hour after his incarceration on Wednesday, Maguire was granted bail. He has filed an appeal contesting both his conviction and the sentence.

The misleading evidence discussed Maguire’s interactions with former Canterbury City councillor Michael Hawatt regarding a possible property project, where Maguire was poised to earn approximately $720,000 in commission.

“His testimony — that there was no benefit for him — was untruthful,” Sydney magistrate Clare Farnan stated when handing down Maguire’s sentence on Wednesday.

An elderly man in a blue suit and striped tie is walking down a street.

The inaccurate statements involved Daryl Maguire’s negotiations with former Canterbury City councillor Michael Hawatt related to a proposed property development, where Maguire stood to gain around $720,000 in commission. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

“In fact, he expected to receive part of a commission if the property was sold,” Farnan said.

She said it was difficult to determine the long-time Wagga Wagga MP’s motivation, as Maguire maintained his innocence and did not give evidence about why he gave the misleading evidence.

“Mr Maguire was clearly trying to protect his reputation, possibly amongst other things,” she said.

Maguire has not demonstrated any remorse, the magistrate said. But she found he had good prospects of rehabilitation and was unlikely to reoffend.

Farnan said she would have imposed a 12-month term but for an almost five-year delay in prosecuting the offence.

A woman with short black hair, wearing a green blazer, standing outside.

Daryl Maguire came into the spotlight in 2020 when it was revealed he had a clandestine relationship with former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

Former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack provided a letter of support for Maguire, telling the court of his hard work ethic and ongoing efforts to benefit the community.

Maguire served in the NSW coalition governments until his retirement in 2018.