Stephen Kaless with his wife and legal team outside court on Monday.Credit:Nine News Perth
Stephen Alexander Kaless resigned from his high-profile government position after being accused of touching a colleague on her bottom during an office Christmas function last year.
During a trial this week,the court heard both Mr Kaless and the complainant had been drinking during the day at a work function before attending the Hearth Bar at the Ritz Carlton in Perth's CBD.
It was there the woman said Mr Kaless put his hand up her dress and touched her bottom,which left her"a mess"and"in shock".
But Mr Kaless'lawyer,Linda Black,said the woman had been"prepared to lie to police",and suggested she had"told too many people"her version of events,"making it impossible to back down".
"The complainant has told untruths in court,"Ms Black said."She told deliberate lies."
Magistrate Jennifer Hawkins said while the behaviour of Mr Kaless as a person in a senior[government] role was"concerning"that evening,and while footage of his actions appeared"highly suspicious",she could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt the indecent assault had happened.
"I do not convict on suspicion,"she said.
"Viewing the evidence ... I am left with a doubt."