Ex-Director Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Historic Items

0:00It's March 27, welcome to Sydney News Today, powered by AI. A former director of National Trust Tasmania has pleaded not guilty to stealing nearly $150,000 worth of historic items from the organization. Matthew Paul Smithies, a 63-year-old man, faces charges for taking more than 30 objects over several years while he led the group. The case came to light after a court suppression order in place since early 2024 was lifted last week. Smithies was first charged back in November 2023, with the thefts allegedly happening between 2014 and 2021. National Trust Tasmania manages eight historic properties across the state, by Clarendon Estate and Franklin House, filled with valuable antiques, and furniture preserved for the public. Smithies served as managing director starting in 2014, stepping down in late 2020 and fully resigning by mid-2021. Court records show he entered his not guilty plea back in May 2024, and the cases now move to the Supreme Court.

1:03Officials confirmed these details only after the media blackout ended. The legal proceedings continue, with Smithies due back in Supreme Court next month to face the charges head on.