Image: Rob Blakers/AAP
A charge of common assault against Hobart’s Lord Mayor will be discontinued.
Anna Reynolds was charged following an incident with now-councillor Louise Elliot at a meeting about the University of Tasmania’s CBD move last year.
Cr. Elliot claims the Lord Mayor grabbed her arm, but Cr. Reynolds denies physically detaining her and has previously apologised for any concern caused by what she’s called a “brief exchange”.
The case was due to front the Hobart Magistrates Court next month, but a review of the file by the Police Department’s Principal Legal Officer – including consideration of additional witness statements – has determined that the matter will not proceed.
In a statement, Cr. Elliot said she is deeply troubled by the decision to discontinue the charge, and that it is a major backflip that needs proper explanation.
“Once the charges became public, the decision is miraculously reversed and that raises big questions,” the Councillor wrote.
“The matter is serious with substantial evidence available and should have been heard by a Magistrate.”
