BOROONDARA: Worry over Pesutto $2.4m legal bill


Hawthorn MLA John Pesutto potentially faces financial ruin if Moira Deeming is successful in claiming $2.4 million in legal costs, major media speculates.
The Age newspaper reported late last week that Mr Pesutto might go close to bankruptcy if a legal costs application went against hi, following his defamation case loss against Ms Deeming.
Mr Pesutto was financially backed to some degree by former Premiers Jeff Kennett, Ted Baillieu and Denis Napthine.
“Bankruptcy would force Pesutto out of politics, triggering a by-election for his marginal seat of Hawthorn,” The Age said.
“Pesutto was ordered to pay Deeming $300,000 in damages, as well as her legal bill, when the Federal Court in December found he repeatedly defamed hetr by falsely implying she associated with neo-Nazis.
“Deeming’s team is seeking almost $2.4 million in costs which would push Pesutto perilously close to bankruptcy,” said The Age.