The jailed former mayor of Ipswich says he pleaded guilty to corruption allegations because he “just wanted it all over with”. 

Former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale pleaded guilty to over 30 offences including sexual assault, official corruption and fraud and was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' jail in September last year.

He appeared in court this week on the witness stand to give evidence in a committal hearing for Melbourne property developer Christopher Pinzone.

Mr Pinzone is charged with corruptly giving, or offering to give, benefits to a public officer. Prosecutors allege the developer made offers, including cash and hiring escort services, between October 2016 and June 2017 for  Mr Pisasale’s support of a development proposal at Yamanto in Ipswich.

“I championed the development,” Mr Pisasale told the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Prosecutor Sarah Farnden asked Mr Pisasale about his admissions of guilt during his court hearing in 2019.

“I haven't remembered too much about the sentencing, I wasn't well and just wanted it all over with,” the former mayor told the court.

“I did plead guilty to it, I still don't know whether I agreed to it, but I pled guilty.

“I had my family that was in a terrible state, I was in a terrible state and as I said to my lawyer, I just wanted it all over with.

“I did have advice that I should fight, but I didn't want to, I had lost all energy to fight.

“Can I say one thing? I would never do anything to hurt my city.

“I pleaded guilty to everything.

“I am in an environment here where I said I am going to tell the truth and I am going to tell the truth and I did plead guilty, and no I don't agree with some of the statements that were in that, were factual.”

Mr Pisasale was also asked if “he told Mr Pinzone, he can push things with the planners”. He said it was part of his duties as mayor.

“I had discussions with the planners … that was my job,” Mr Pisasale responded.

“I never asked the planners to do anything that was illegal.

“I've dealt with a lot of big developers … and none of them have ever spoke like this before, they didn't try to entice me with massages or those things.”

Mr Pinzone was committed to stand trial in Brisbane's District Court.