KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - A Customs whistleblower whose leaks sparked the biggest overhaul of airport security in Australia's history is challenging his conviction in an appeals court.
Allan Kessing, 60, was convicted by a Sydney District Court jury in March of leaking two highly confidential Customs reports to the Australian newspaper.
The reports contained claims of drug trafficking and other offences by staff at Sydney Airport, and raised concerns about lax anti-terrorism security at Australian airports.
A week after the leaks, the federal Government announced a major inquiry into airport crime and security.
The inquiry, conducted by British aviation expert Sir John Wheeler, led to a A$200 million ($235 million) upgrade in airport security.
Kessing faced a maximum two years in prison for the leaks, but ultimately escaped with a nine-month suspended term.
His barrister, Dr Bernard Glennon, yesterday told the New South Wales Court of Appeal the verdicts were unreasonable and could not be supported by the evidence presented at the trial.
Glennon presented 10 appeal grounds relating to evidence and directions given to the jury by trial judge James Bennett.
One of them argued the prosecution changed the basis of the case at the 11th hour and this would have confused the jury. The hearing is continuing.
- AAP
