Former WA MP Phil Edman set to face trial over allegations he hindered a corruption investigation

A former WA Liberal politician is set to stand trial over claims he hindered a corruption investigation into his taxpayer-funded sex trips, massages and lavish dinners.

Phil Edman fronted a Perth court on Wednesday morning on five charges stemming from the 2019 Crime and Corruption Commission probe, which ultimately found he misused his $78,000 yearly electoral allowance.

Those criminal allegations involve tipping off four associates about the inquiry, including former upper house MP Nigel Hallett.

The watchdog's report prompted a prolonged tug-of-war with state Parliament over Edman's laptop, which he spoke about in secretly recorded phone conversations, claiming it contained "dirt" that could "end careers".

Edman's lawyer Finola Barr told reporters outside court her client "has entered firm not guilty pleas" and will be "defending all the charges".

A date for his trial will likely be set later this month.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/former-wa-liberal-politician-phil-edman-set-to-face-trial-over-claims-he-hindered-a-corruption-investigation/5dfa8b87-9dde-4c71-867a-5b66e1ed47fb