FORMER Melville councillor Steve Kepert was back in the court last week to appeal a criminal conviction for failing to vote on council items.

Mr Kepert, representing himself, laid out 11 grounds for appeal to Justice Michael Lungberg, who will decide if they have merit to go forward.

Mr Kepert told the court he was prompted to appeal by the number of people telling him he’d been given a dud rap in September last year when he was fined $1500 for failing to vote or declare a conflict of interest. 

Mr Kepert says he faced “relentless harassment” from public officers during his 2017-2021 term. 

“From the outset I have always wanted the truth to come out in court” he said, arguing he’d always acted in good faith. 

Mr Kepert said even the magistrate had been confused by Melville council’s procedures.

Justice Lungberg told Mr Kepert there may be some “gold” in his case. 

Mr Kepert argued he did not benefit financially by requesting for legal fees to be paid for by Melville council.

“You arrive at zero ultimately so there is no financial benefit,” he told the court. 

Justice Lungberg reserves his decision until late February 2026.

by CARLA LANE