By Kate McClymont

Copyright brisbanetimes

The jury’s hung verdict followed the Crown’s star witness, Gilbert “Laurie” Brown, Kelly’s former chief of staff, telling the court, “I can’t remember anything about anything.”

In 2022, Brown, 69, was criminally charged along with former ministers Kelly, Joe Tripodi and Eddie Obeid. In November 2023, Kelly was given an indemnity against prosecution in return for giving evidence against the others.

Brown had arrived in court in a wheelchair, claiming that serious health issues had damaged his memory. The former chief of staff could not remember anything about AWH, giving evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), being charged over his role in the AWH cabinet minute, or doing a deal with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to become a witness for the Crown.

In the absence of the jury, Pickering likened Brown to a “zombie”, saying, “It’s just impossible to believe that he doesn’t remember giving evidence at ICAC. I do not believe that he has no memory of being charged with this matter.”