Art acquittals stun Whiteley’s widow
BRETT Whiteley’s widow Wendy is “completely stunned” by the acquittal of two Victorian men who were found guilty in 2016 of faking and selling paintings they said were by her former husband.
Ms Whiteley called yesterday’s decision by the Victorian Court of Appeal to acquit the men “extraordinary” and “absolutely ludicrous”.
“These are not original Whiteleys,” she said. “I can’t believe this has happened.
“I’m no expert in legal proceedings and I have no idea what went on in court when I wasn’t there, but I do not understand this decision.”
Prosecutors yesterday unexpectedly conceded appeals by art restorer Mohamed Aman Siddique, 68, and dealer Peter Stanley Gant, 61.
“There is a significant possibility that innocent men have been convicted and each of them should accordingly be acquitted,” Daniel Gurvich, QC, told the court.
Gant and Siddique were found guilty by a Victorian Supreme Court jury in May last year of obtaining and attempting to obtain financial advantage by deception by selling the Whiteley paintings.
Ms Whiteley gave evidence during the trial that the paintings weren’t original works and she maintains that view.