A high-profile former MP has been sentenced for misleading a corruption probe about potential profits from a major property deal, before being released on bail about an hour later.
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.
Maguire was granted bail about an hour after being taken into custody on Wednesday. An appeal has been launched against his conviction and the sentence imposed.
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.
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
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.
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
Maguire served in the NSW coalition governments until his retirement in 2018.
He made headlines in 2020 when it emerged he had been in a secret "close personal relationship" for at least five years with Berejiklian while she was treasurer and then premier.
In 2023, the NSW ICAC found Maguire had acted corruptly by misusing his role for his own financial interest.
While under compulsory examination by the anti-corruption watchdog, Maguire admitted he had sought to "monetise" his position as an MP and parliamentary secretary.
