The investigator’s report found Martin’s conduct involved yelling at and abusing Wicks,and said that he flew into rages,gave tirades,used “degrading abusive and misogynistic language” towards her and “made vile accusations” against her,the meeting was told.
The report also concluded that Martin,whose behaviour allegedly began during a relationship with Wicks and continued after they broke up in 2019,falsely claimed that a senior member of her staff had threatened to blackmail him.
This masthead does not suggest that an offence,which can only be determined at a criminal trial,has occurred.
The senior counsel hired to investigate the allegations,Trish McDonald,also suggested in her findings that the messages,sent via WhatsApp,could constitute an offence under a Commonwealth law prohibiting use of a carriage service to menace,harass or offend.
Sources close to Wicks,speaking anonymously due to party rules,said a copy of her original complaint,which includes the text messages,was given to police on the weekend,and further information was given to detectives on Monday.
The decision to expel Martin from the party was backed by a vast majority of the 27 people present at Friday’s meeting,said the sources,speaking anonymously as they were bound by strict confidentiality rules. He can appeal at the next meeting.
Wicks and Martin were informed of the decision on Friday night. Wicks refused to comment on Monday. Martin said he was seeking legal advice.