Former WA treasurer Troy Buswell accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice
Former West Australian treasurer and state Liberal leader Troy Buswell has been granted bail after appearing in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday over a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Police allege Mr Buswell rang his ex-wife Melissa Hankinson on August 20 at 9.59pm and had a conversation which made her scared to continue giving evidence in an ongoing family violence court case against the former politician which is yet to be resolved.
Former WA Treasurer Troy Buswell.Credit:Peter de Kruijff
Mr Buswell has pleaded not guilty to three charges of aggravated assault and three of aggravated common assault against Ms Hankinson who is still facing cross-examination in a case that was adjourned on May 27.
The trial was only partly heard and was set for a new hearing listing next Monday.
Mr Buswell was charged on Thursday morning with attempting to pervert the course of justice by investigators from the special crime division and was being held in custody, with police opposing bail.
A police prosecutor told the magistrates court on Thursday that Ms Hankinson had received three phone calls, with no caller identification, but there was no response when she answered. There is no evidence the calls came from Mr Buswell.
He said a fourth call was made at 9.59pm where Mr Buswell had a 2½-hour conversation with Ms Hankinson on the pretense of passing on condolences for the death of her uncle.
During the conversation, which was partly recorded by Ms Hankinson, the pair spoke about their love for each other, but the phone call allegedly turned to the ongoing trial.
Mr Buswell’s bail conditions did not stop him from contacting Ms Hankinson but did outline he was not to act in an intimidatory way towards her.
Police allege Mr Buswell made comments which made the victim concerned about continuing her evidence.
But Mr Buswell’s lawyer Tom Percy QC said there was nothing in the police brief that constituted an explicit threat, and one might wonder how threatened the victim was if she had not brought up the phone call with police until five weeks later.
Mr Percy said although Mr Buswell did call Ms Hankinson on August 20, there was nothing in the conversation which could be taken as attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The defence lawyer told the court his client could offer a substantial undertaking for bail.
Mr Percy said if bail was opposed then Mr Buswell faced the prospect of remaining in custody for more than a year if the attempt to pervert charge went to trial because of the current wait for listings.
Magistrate Michelle Harries granted bail under the condition Mr Buswell provide a personal undertaking of $50,000 and surety to an equal amount. He is also required not to contact Ms Hankinson and her daughter.
The case will next be heard on October 21 for legal advice.
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