Petch was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing the electorate of Gladesville for the Liberal Party between 1988 and 1995.
[2] Petch rejected the findings, confirming he was launching legal action in the NSW Supreme Court and said it "beggars belief" that ICAC could accuse him of acting corruptly "after 37 years of representing the residents honestly and sincerely".
[4] In October 2018, a 12-person jury found Petch guilty of "making an unwarranted demand with menaces" while he was Ryde mayor in May 2013, by suggesting the council's then acting general manager might not get a permanent job unless she made a decision favouring his financial interests.
NSW District Court Judge Nicole Noman said on Monday the former mayor's behaviour conveyed "a sense of entitlement" and a "preparedness to manipulate others for his advantage".
Mr Petch, who is also a former state MP, was accused of telling the then-acting council general manager Danielle Dickson to settle a court costs case in a way favourable to him as she would need his help to permanently retain her position.