Former Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle groped female councillors and tried to kiss one after drinking "substantial amounts of red wine", an independent investigation has found.
While investigations into a third complainant continue, the partial report backs allegations of sexual harassment by former councillor Tessa Sullivan and her town hall colleague Cathy Oke, was released on Tuesday but the full 100-page report will not be released for privacy reasons.
The investigators measured the complaints against the ‘Briginshaw standard’ which requires reasonable satisfaction that the sexually inappropriate conduct occurred.
The report was commissioned by the City of Melbourne Chief Executive Ben Rimmer and the investigation was led by Dr Ian Freckelton QC.
Four findings were made against Mr Doyle: that he grabbed Ms Sullivan's breast in his chauffeur-driven mayoral car after a meeting on May 2; that he repeatedly stroked Ms Oke's thigh at a council dinner in 2014; he tried to kiss Ms Oke in his office after a meeting in late 2016 or early 2017; and in all cases he acted after drinking red wine.
Mr Doyle, who resigned as lord mayor after the allegations were levelled, has strenuously denied all claims.
More to come.
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