FORMER IPSWICH MAYOR PAUL PISASALE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CORRUPTION
Paul Pisasale, the former mayor of Ipswich, has been sentenced to an additional seven and a half years in prison, along with a non-parole period of 27 months, for a total of 33 criminal charges linked to his time in office.These charges encompass fraud, corruption of public officials, perjury, illegal drug possession, and two counts of sexual assault.
Already imprisoned for extortion after disguising himself as a private investigator, Pisasale, who was nicknamed 'Mr Ipswich,' previously admitted to persistently pursuing and kissing a woman in his mayoral chambers at Ipswich City Council in December 2016.
Judge Dennis Lynch stated that this behavior was persistent and involved an abuse of his mayoral authority for sexual gratification.
The official corruption count concerns Pisasale’s undue influence over a Yamanto real estate deal, for which he was promised large sums but instead received escorts and small cash payments.
Additional charges include disobedience of lawful orders and unlawful possession of Sildenafil (Viagra).
The perjury conviction arose from false testimony he gave during a Crime and Corruption Commission inquiry about carrying interstate packages for a barrister.
Multiple fraud charges relate to misuse of Ipswich council assets and funds, such as depositing campaign donations into a personal account, funding personal travel with council money, and repurposing charity auction items for personal use.
Last week, Pisasale apologized before the court, explaining his actions were driven by ego and obsession but emphasizing he was not a bad person.
In 2019, he had been sentenced to two years in jail, suspended after 12 months, for extortion.
He stepped down as mayor in June 2017 after a raid by the Crime and Corruption Commission at his home and office.
Judge Lynch commented that his conduct was persistent and involved the abuse of his role as mayor for sexual satisfaction.
The article also notes his former standing for supporting Ipswich’s development and his prior criminal history.
