Charges dropped against former mayor

Charges against former Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland have been dropped this morning during a brief hearing in Brisbane Magistrate’s Court.

The Director of Public Prosecutions officially dropped the charges – two counts of misconduct in public office. It followed an investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Mr Sutherland was charged and suspended as Mayor in late 2019. The allegations centred on a property he owned at Burpengary and the upgrade of the road on which it was located.

Mr Sutherland had always denied any wrongdoing.

A CCC spokesperson said: “The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) was advised yesterday by the independent Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) that it had determined to discontinue the prosecution of two criminal charges relating to former Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor, Allan Sutherland.

The CCC respects and accepts the decision of the independent ODPP.”