Daryl Maguire Sentenced to 10 Months for Misleading ICAC

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A high-profile former MP has been jailed for misleading a corruption investigation about potential profits from a major property deal.

Daryl Maguire, known for his secret relationship with Gladys Berejiklian while she was NSW premier, was sentenced to 10 months in jail, with a non-parole period of five months, on Wednesday.

The former NSW MP was found guilty of giving misleading evidence at an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry into a Sydney council in 2018.

The misleading evidence canvassed Maguire’s dealings with former Canterbury City councillor Michael Hawatt on a potential property development, in which Maguire could have received about $720,000 in commission.

“His evidence — there was nothing in it for him — was misleading,” Sydney magistrate Clare Farnan said when sentencing Maguire on Wednesday.

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

The misleading evidence concerned Daryl Maguire’s dealings with former Canterbury City councillor Michael Hawatt on a potential property development, in which Maguire could have received about $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. Maguire’s lawyer indicated an appeal will be filed.

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

Daryl Maguire made headlines in 2020 when it emerged he had been in a secret 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.