An inquiry headed by Commissioner Jerrold Cripps QC into allegations against the barrister, John Hart, a Wagga solicitor, Anthony Paul, and a client of the two men, Jason Kelly, began today.

Counsel assisting the Commissioner David Staehli SC said in his opening address the allegations against Hart fell into three broad categories.

Firstly, it is alleged Hart told a number of clients money given to him may be given to public officials in the justice system to help secure a favourable outcome.

Secondly, Hart is alleged to have lied in court in order to have proceedings adjourned or moved so that his clients would face magistrates Hart felt would be more lenient on them.

Finally, Hart and Paul are alleged to have inflated costs by about $50,000 in invoices to their client Jason Kelly, who then applied to the Attorney General’s department to have those costs reimbursed.

Kelly had been found not guilty of three counts of sexual assault in a trial in Wagga District Court in February 2007.

Mr Staehli told the hearing evidence would be presented to show Hart had lied in Sutherland Local Court in order to have cases transferred to other locations.

Mr Staehli said Hart had also lied to the same court about the employment, address and education status of a client.

On one occasion Hart is alleged to have lied to the court about the address of a client so her matter could be moved to the Wagga Local Court, then falsely claimed in that court the client was a special needs teacher working in Wagga.

The inquiry is due to hear evidence today from both Kelly and Hart.