ICAC Operation Rosny LIVE updates: Charles Perrottet’s evidence continues after denial of participating in ‘joint criminal enterprise’ with wife Anita

According to Proverbs 19:9, “a false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish”. Proverbs 21:6 is even more direct: “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.”

Perhaps the deeply religious Charles Perrottet forgot those particular Bible verses while preparing for his much-anticipated grilling at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption. Or perhaps he suspects lying might be a helpful way to alleviate his bigger problems.

Not to the ICAC, of course. Heavens, no! He’d never do that! Perrottet eagerly told the corruption watchdog that he had, though, repeatedly lied in his frequent communications with the fugitive Sydney developer Jean Nassif. The effect of this admission was to put a softer complexion on text messages that the ICAC might otherwise see as central to its case.

Perrottet spent Monday in the witness box over his part in what the ICAC alleges was a scheme designed to rort donations laws , damage political opponents, influence government policies and line his own pockets in the process.