Wyndham councillor Intaj Khan will have yet another day in court after his sentencing hearing was deferred until next week.
At Sunshine Magistrates Court this morning, Magistrate Therese McCarthy said she had not received all the submissions needed until late Tuesday evening, and had not had the time to properly consider them.
The sentencing hearing has been rescheduled for next Monday, July 16.
Last month, Cr Khan pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to disclose companies in which he held office during the return period; three counts of failing to disclose companies in which he held a financial interest; and two counts of failing to submit ordinary returns between February 2016 and February 2017.
The Local Government Act 1989 requires individual councillors to lodge returns – which detail property holdings, board positions and the like – every six months while they are in office. This is to ensure that councillors declare any conflicts of interests regarding council business.
Cr Khan faces a possible conviction and fines up to a maximum of $75,000.
Magistrate McCarthy also cautioned Cr Khan against speaking to the media while the case was underway.
“One of the things that needs to be borne in mind is talking to the media while the proceedings are underfoot is most unwise,” Magistrate McCarthy said.
The comments were in response to a Star Weekly story where Cr Khan said he had been “denied natural justice”.
