Qld: Hanson appeal planned for today
BRISBANE, Aug 21 AAP - Pauline Hanson has spent her first night behind bars as herlawyer prepares to lodge an appeal today against her conviction for electoral fraud.
The flame-haired former fish and chip shop owner declared her innocence from the dockand branded the guilty verdict of the Brisbane District Court jury a "joke" after it washanded down at 2.32pm (AEST) yesterday.
"I'm still very innocent of the charge and I believe the prosecution has not proventheir case against myself or David Ettridge," the 49-year-old former One Nation leadertold the court when asked if she had a response.
"I'm not guilty - it's a joke."
Hanson and co-accused, former One Nation national director David Ettridge were bothsentenced to three years' jail and had pleaded not guilty to fraudulently registeringPauline Hanson's One Nation in Queensland on December 4, 1997.
Hanson had also denied dishonestly obtaining two cheques worth a total of $498,637from Queensland's electoral commission after One Nation's 11-seat sweep at the 1998 stateelection.
Her Gold Coast-based lawyer Chris Nyst said he had been surprised by the verdicts andthat both Ms Hanson and Mr Ettridge would lodge immediate appeals.
"They are profoundly disappointed in the result, I think not surprisingly," Mr Nysttold reporters outside the court.
Ms Hanson's former adviser and state secretary of the One Nation Party Morrie Marsdensaid Ms Hanson's family were devastated by the verdict.
"Pauline's family is with me and they are very devastated by the result but what we'vegot to do is push on and put it together and do the best we can to support Pauline andchange the situation for her," Mr Marsden told reporters.
Outside the court, Ms Hanson's son Steven described the verdict as "crap", while herother son Adam said his mother was innocent.
"My mum is innocent and that's what is going to get us through," he said.
AAP jfs/jnb/br d
KEYWORD: HANSON DAYLEAD
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