Disgraced former Charlestown MP, Andrew Cornwell, has told the ICAC that Hunter developer Hilton Grugeon lied about the sale of a painting.
Mr Cornwell has denied being part of a scam to sell the Rex Newell artwork for more than $10,000.
He maintains it was given to Mr Grugeon as a gift and that he was surprised when the developer offered to pay for it.
Meanwhile his wife, Samantha Brookes, also took the stand today and was accused of lying about the painting.
Ms Brookes told the ICAC the painting was given to her as a birthday present before her husband sold it to Mr Grugeon in late 2010.
But Mr Newell maintains he was approached by Mr Cornwell’s father Brien to paint the picture, and was told it would later be sold at an auction to raise money for his son’s 2011 election campaign.
Junior counsel assisting Greg O’Mahoney accused Ms Brookes of lying, saying “On three occasions you have appeared before ICAC and on each occasion you have given testimony laced with lies.”
“That is absolutely incorrect,” she replied.
