NSW: Jackie Kelly's husband pleads not guilty over poll leaflets

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2008
NSW: Jackie Kelly's husband pleads not guilty over poll leaflets

SYDNEY, April 29 AAP - The husband of former federal Liberal minister Jackie Kelly
has pleaded not guilty over his alleged role in distributing bogus leaflets during last
year's federal election campaign.

Gary James Clark appeared briefly today in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court over
the leaflet scandal, which erupted days before the election last November.

Clark was one of five men charged under the Commonwealth Electoral Act over the distribution
of pamphlets which allegedly portrayed the Labor party as being aligned with a radical
Islamic element in the key western Sydney seat of Lindsay, formerly held by Ms Kelly.

The husband of unsuccessful Liberal candidate Karen Chijoff, who had replaced Ms Kelly
as the party's candidate, was also charged over the scam, which was allegedly uncovered
in a Labor Party sting.

Appearing before Magistrate Pat O'Shane, Clark's lawyer Oliver Hagen today entered
a plea of not guilty on his client's behalf.

Bruce Levet, barrister for NSW Liberals right faction powerbroker Jeff Egan, also entered
a not guilty plea for his client over the allegations.

Dressed in a dark suit and blue and white striped tie, Egan smiled politely as he stood
at the rear of the court.

Outside court, Mr Levet said Egan would vigorously defend the charges.

"He wants to clear his name and do so as quickly as possible," Mr Levet told reporters.

"In the circumstances it is not appropriate for him to comment further at this time."

Ms Chijoff's husband Greg Chijoff, co-accused Troy Craig and one other person, as yet
unnamed, were expected to appear in court later today.

Chijoff and Egan were ousted from the Liberal Party after the controversy over the
leaflets, but Egan was permitted to return in February this year.

Clark was not a member of the Liberal Party.

AAP ajc/hn/sp

KEYWORD: LEAFLET (PIX AVAILABLE)

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