Former Eurobodalla Shire councillor Milton Leslight has spoken out after having assault charges against him dismissed in court, saying the ordeal had been “horrendous”.
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Mr Leslight was charged with one count of common assault and another of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an incident in a Batemans Bay carpark in July 2018.
However, after a quick hearing in Batemans Bay Local Court on January 31, both charges against Mr Leslight were dismissed.
Speaking to the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner, the Batemans Bay real estate agent said the process had “put his life on hold”, and had profound effects on both his personal and professional life.
“It’s damaged my reputation," Mr Leslight said.
"It’s damaged my business.
“The devastation, professionally and personally, has been horrendous."
Mr Leslight said he was shocked after it was revealed during court proceedings that police did not zoom in on CCTV footage of the alleged incident as part of their investigation.
The case further unraveled after the court heard police did not record a formal statement from Mr Leslight during the investigation.
Magistrate Doug Dick said he found it “unsafe to record a conviction”.
Mr Leslight was pleased with the outcome, however he said the damage was done.
“It has affected my reputation and standing in the community,” Mr Leslight said.
“I could have gone to jail.
"I was taken in and put in a cell.
"It was just demoralising.
“Here I am, a person of integrity, having to explain this to my family.
"It’s a disgusting situation.”
He said he planned to move on from the experience and had a positive outlook for the future.
“I have high regard and respect for the police,” Mr Leslight said.
“The prospects for the future are exciting.”