Mr Neil Austin Burnard was today committed to stand trial in the NSW District Court on eleven charges brought by ASIC.

The charges relate to Mr Burnard making and publishing statements in relation to Kebbel Investment Bank, knowing the statements to be false in a material particular, namely that Kebbel Investment Bank did not exist.

ASIC alleges that Mr Burnard made the statements in order to obtain a financial advantage for various Westpoint mezzanine finance companies, specifically a monetary investment in the companies.

Mr Burnard has reserved his plea to the charges.

The matter has been set down for arraignment in the NSW District Court on 12 October 2007.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter.

Background

ASIC has previously obtained orders, by consent and without admissions, in the Supreme Court of NSW against Mr Burnard, Palentia Pty Ltd formerly known as Kebbel (NSW) Pty Ltd (Palentia), Jennifer Lee Robbins and BDI Pty Ltd (BDI) in proceedings brought by ASIC. Please refer to ASIC Media Release 07-18 for further information.