Development Consent in Exchange for Free Sex

Added by on March 8, 2011

A council building inspector has admitted that he got free sex from a Sydney bathhouse while claiming overtime for his activities, the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption says.

However, Edward Karkowski, Willoughby City Council inspector, denied that the services received were bribes for turning a blind eye to the illegal activities taking place at the Oriana Bath House in Chatswood’s CBD.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) also heard that Mr Karkowski approved the bath house’s development consent in January 2008 on the understanding that it would operate as a beauty and massage centre where “staff would be fully dressed, and that there would be no body-to-body massage or sex offered”.

Counsel Kate Williams told the ICAC that Mr Karkowski had received free sexual services during a 12-month period starting September 2009 “presumably on the implicit understanding that he will turn a blind eye to the breach of the conditions”.

However, Mr Karkowski said this had never entered his mind and that he thought management was showing their appreciation for him helping them with their development application.

It was also brought to the light that Mr Karkowski claimed overtime on July 6 of last year between 4pm and 10pm while he was having sex at the bathhouse. He has also failed to declare wine and meals that has received from other businesses lodging development applications with the council.

The hearing will continue for another nine days.