Pauline Hanson has spent her first night behind bars as her lawyer prepares to lodge an appeal against her conviction for electoral fraud.
The flame-haired former fish and chip shop owner declared her innocence from the dock and branded the guilty verdict of the Brisbane District Court jury a “joke” after it was handed down at 2.32pm (AEST).
“I’m still very innocent of the charge and I believe the prosecution has not proven their case against myself or David Ettridge,” the 49-year-old former One Nation leader told the court when asked if she had a response.
“I’m not guilty – it’s a joke.”
Hanson and co-accused, former One Nation national director David Ettridge were both sentenced to three years’ jail and had pleaded not guilty to fraudulently registering Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Queensland on December 4, 1997.
Hanson had also denied dishonestly obtaining two cheques worth a total of $498,637 from Queensland’s electoral commission after One Nation’s 11-seat sweep at the 1998 state election.
Her Gold Coast-based lawyer Chris Nyst said he had been surprised by the verdicts and that both Ms Hanson and Mr Ettridge would lodge immediate appeals.
“They are profoundly disappointed in the result, I think not surprisingly,” Mr Nyst told reporters outside the court.
Ms Hanson’s former adviser and state secretary of the One Nation Party Morrie Marsden said Ms Hanson’s family were devastated by the verdict.
“Pauline’s family is with me and they are very devastated by the result but what we’ve got to do is push on and put it together and do the best we can to support Pauline and change the situation for her,” Mr Marsden told reporters.
Outside the court, Ms Hanson’s son Steven described the verdict as “crap”, while her other son Adam said his mother was innocent.
“My mum is innocent and that’s what is going to get us through,” he said.