Posted: 2024-10-23 06:51:09

An independent candidate from a marginal south-east Queensland seat says he will fight serious criminal charges as details of the alleged offences emerge days ahead of the state election.

Michael Norman Jessop, 69, is on bail and is listed as the second candidate on the Caloundra ballot paper.

The electorate is located at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast.

The boat builder from Little Mountain was arrested on July 22 after police were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously outside a property in Bli Bli.

Police allege they found weapons and camouflage clothing inside a car belonging to Mr Jessop.

It is also alleged that during a further search of the vehicle officers located a shovel, axe, gloves, duct tape, ropes and a cadaver bag.

Police allege Mr Jessop was recorded on CCTV footage outside the Bli Bli property.

Mr Jessop was charged with seven offences including unlawful stalking, possession of a weapon, wilful damage and possession of a knife.

He was granted conditional Supreme Court bail in Brisbane last month, a few weeks before the state election was called.

Court documents show Mr Jessop must report to police in Caloundra every Friday as part of the bail conditions.

He is also banned from visiting the suburb of Bli Bli.

Mr Jessop is expected to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on November 15.

The facade of a large building bearing the lettering "Maroochydore Court House".

Mr Jessop has described the accusations as having "absolutely no substance". (ABC News)

ECQ highlights rules

The ABC has viewed detailed court documents of the alleged offending, which police say occurred over three months between April and July this year.

Mr Jessop told ABC News he was planning to fight the charges, which he described as having "absolutely no substance".

"They're absolutely, totally fabricated," he said.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) said a person would only be only disqualified from nominating as a candidate if they were serving a prison sentence, had been convicted of bribery, treason or certain electoral offences, or been declared bankrupt.

"The ECQ does not provide legal advice to prospective candidates," an ECQ spokesperson said.

"In order for nominations to be accepted by the ECQ, all candidates must make relevant declarations, including that they are eligible for nomination."

The Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 states a "disqualifying act" is an offence against the law for which the member is sentenced to more than one-year imprisonment.

It is understood Mr Jessop has no prior criminal convictions in Queensland.

An older man in a dark cap sits indoors.

Mike Jessop says he is innocent and that he has received positive feedback from voters. (Supplied)

Thousands cast votes

More than 22,000 people have already voted in the Caloundra electorate, which is held by Labor's Jason Hunt with a margin of 2.5 per cent.

Mr Jessop is one of seven candidates nominated for the seat.

He has run in local government and state elections on eight occasions.

"You don't come any tougher than me," Mr Jessop said.

"I'm getting positive feedback from everyone I meet because they are just completely fed up."

A social media page promoting Mr Jessop's election campaign and policies shows his views about domestic violence offending.

One post references the need for an "amnesty" for domestic violence perpetrators, while another states the legislation is "biased" toward men.

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