A Coastal councillor has appeared in court charged with an offence that could see him face up to a year in prison.
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Waratah-Wynyard councillor Darren Fairbrother appeared in the Burnie Magistrates Court on Monday morning and pleaded not guilty to prohibited behaviour in relation to an incident at Boat Harbour in January.
The complainant and witnesses are understood to be senior members of Tasmania's legal fraternity.
Mr Fairbrother's lawyer Paul Sullivan asked that prosecution not read the facts of the allegation in the court because his client was aware of the details of the charge, and this was not challenged.
Under the Police Offences Act, someone charged with prohibited behaviour is alleged to have "wilfully and without reasonable excuse, [acted or behaved] in a manner that a reasonable person is likely to find indecent or offensive" if that person saw or was likely to see the behaviour.
The charge carries a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a maximum fine of $8600.
Speaking briefly outside the court before the appearance, Mr Fairbrother said the charge was "demeaning".
Mr Sullivan told the court there may be an issue with the matter progressing to hearing, given the identity of the complainants.
It is understood the complainant is lawyer and Crown prosecutor Kate Brown, and that witnesses include her husband Magistrate Simon Brown.
Magistrate Leanne Topfer agreed that given the identity of the complainant and witnesses, a magistrate from another jurisdiction may need to preside over the matter.
She adjourned the matter until July.