Markham hearing set

The fate of former Waverley mayor Jim Markham is in limbo, with the controversial figure to face charges of soliciting to murder and recruitment to assist in criminal activity.

The charges relate to two stories screened on Channel 9’s A Current Affair on May 28 and 29 last year, in which reporter Ben Fordham and producer Andy Byrne filmed Markham, 71, outlining an alleged plan to kidnap, torture and murder male escort Paul Dunshea, referred to as ‘Alex’.

Markham’s case was adjourned until April 23, to allow time for the Director of Public Prosecutions to serve a brief of evidence. The hearing will take place in the Downing Centre Local Court.

The former Liberal councillor, who remains on bail, was described in media reports as physically “much diminished” from his time on Waverley Council.  In his two stints as mayor in 1975 and 1984, he became known for his support of developer-friendly policies.

Fordham and Byrne will appear in North Sydney Local Court on May 26 to answer charges of publishing private conversation under section six of the Listening Devices Act, and concealing a serious offence.  If convicted, they face up to two years in jail.

– BY SHANT FABRICATORIAN