A former Hunter Valley mine boss has been found not guilty of three charges that stemmed from a corruption probe several years ago.
Businessman Craig Ransley had been before the courts in relation to his involvement with the Doyles Creek mine near Singleton.
It was the focus of an earlier probe by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
In 2015, the director of public prosecutions announced there was sufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Ransley for allegedly making three false and misleading statements to the Government to get the mine approved.
Mr Ransley stood trial in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court and was found not guilty in a judge-alone trial.
Delay 'caused forensic disadvantage'
Judge Peter Zahra noted there had been a lengthy delay between the date of the alleged offences and the trial, which occurred about nine years later.
"The delay means there has been some forensic disadvantage," Judge Zahra said.
"Evidence of the witnesses in the Crown case, who are called to recount events some nine years ago, may not be fully tested as it otherwise might have been.
"It is expected that people would have difficulty recalling the details of things that happened many years ago."
Judge found Crown could not prove case
The Crown claimed the alleged offences happened in 2008.
Judge Zahra dissected the case and noted several statements related to a memorandum of understanding.
"Ultimately I find there is insufficient evidence to support an inference the accused knew in concurring in the publication of the training mine facility submission that it contained a false statement," he said.
"As I have indicated, as a matter of law, the Crown cannot prove its case by proving that the accused made the statement with reckless disregard as to whether it was true."
The Doyles Creek mine was on-sold to the company NuCoal, which had its exploration licence scrapped after the State Government deemed the process corrupt.
NuCoal has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and has challenged the decision in court.
