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media release (18-280MR)

Former CEO of NewSat Limited committed to stand trial

Published

Mr Adrian Maxwell Ballintine, 62, of Brighton in Victoria, has been committed to stand trial on charges following a committal hearing before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Three charges were brought by ½ñÈÕÈÈÃÅʼþfollowing an investigation into NewSat Limited (NewSat), a company formerly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

½ñÈÕÈÈÃÅʼþalleges that on three separate occasions between 18 January 2012 and 15 September 2012, Mr Ballintine, a director and former chief executive officer of NewSat, authorised the making of three invoices that were false or misleading contrary to section 1308(2) of the Corporations Act. ½ñÈÕÈÈÃÅʼþalleges that those invoices caused NewSat to make payments amounting to $357,000 to a private company associated with Mr Ballintine.

Each of the charges carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.

Mr Ballintine’s trial will be heard before the County Court of Victoria on a date to be fixed.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Background

NewSat was a satellite communications provider that was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange until 31 August 2015.

On 17 April 2015, receiver managers were appointed to NewSat. On 7 August 2015 the company entered into liquidation.

Editor's note:

On 24 September 2018, the County Court of Victoria ordered that the
trial of the charges commence on 23 September 2019.

Editor's note 2:

On 23 August 2019, Mr Ballintine was arraigned and the matter listed by the Country Court for a plea hearing on 23 September 2019.

Editor's note 3:

On 27 August 2019, the County Court re-listed the plea hearing for 14 February 2020.