The Mayor of Richmond in north Queensland has had three charges against him dismissed after being accused of assaulting two female security staff during an incident at a pub in August 2021.
John Wharton was charged with two counts of common assault and one of creating a disturbance in a licensed premises on the night of the Richmond Bush Sprints, a popular horse racing event.
The charges were dismissed in the Townsville Magistrates Court today.
The 69-year-old — who is Queensland's longest serving mayor — did not step down from his role during the proceedings.
Mr Wharton was first elected to the Richmond Shire Council in 1991 and has been mayor since 1997.
In 2007, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the community of north-west Queensland through local government, regional development, natural resource management and primary industry organisations.
He also received the Centenary Medal for distinguished service to local government.
Mr Wharton’s lawyer Anderson Telford said his client was pleased that the matter had been finalised.
A statement from Queensland Police said the matter was "finalised by an alternate resolution".
"An adult caution is a formal warning that may be administered by an officer," it said.
"Cautioning provides a means of dealing with lower-end, non-habitual offending."
