UPDATE: The South Australian Supreme Court has issued an urgent apology after confirming a significant error in the blackmail case against former MP Annabel Digance. This revelation comes as the court stated that Digance and her husband Greg were never found guilty of blackmailing Premier Peter Malinauskas, contradicting previous claims made during a lawsuit hearing.
The mistake emerged during a hearing in July 2023, where a lawyer representing Malinauskas claimed that the Digances had been found guilty of blackmail in April 2023. However, the Courts Administration Authority clarified on Tuesday that a nolle prosequi was imposed, meaning the charges were dropped without any guilty finding. A document mistakenly referencing a guilty verdict was generated in error, prompting the authority to issue a public apology.
“The Courts Administration Authority unreservedly apologises to the parties for this error,” the agency stated. They also announced a comprehensive review of court matters to ensure accuracy in records, indicating the seriousness of the mistake that could affect public perception and legal standing.
Digance is currently pursuing a lawsuit against Malinauskas and the state of South Australia, seeking $2.3 million in damages. She alleges that the blackmail charges were part of a malicious prosecution intended to tarnish her reputation. This legal battle stems from a meeting in February 2020, where it is alleged that Greg Digance threatened to damage Malinauskas’ political career if his wife was not secured a parliamentary seat.
The situation escalated when Malinauskas reported the meeting to the police, claiming he was a victim of blackmail, leading to the charges against the Digances. The implications of this case extend into allegations of trespass, wrongful arrest, and false imprisonment by SA Police, as detailed in Digance’s lawsuit.
As the legal drama unfolds, the state government and SA Police’s legal teams have indicated their intention to file motions to dismiss the lawsuit. The next court date is set for September 4, 2023, where further developments in this high-profile case are expected.
This urgent correction not only highlights the complexities of legal proceedings but also raises questions about the integrity of court documentation and the potential impact on the parties involved. The outcome of the upcoming court session could have significant ramifications for both Digance and Malinauskas, as well as for the state of South Australia’s legal system.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
