8 March, 2017. 12:23
ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
In what was heralded as one of the greatest corporate blunders in Australian history, an Arnott’s Biscuit executive has walked free from Silverwater Prison this afternoon after serving out his 12 month sentence for crimes against the Commonwealth.
Despite being a household staple for the past 40 years, Dennis Francis Coolidge was tried and convicted of two counts of treason, one count of aggravated battery and two counts of fraud after he made the executive decision to change the recipes of many Shapes products.
The ensuing backlash cost the 39-year-old his job, family and freedom.
Speaking to the media in Sydney this evening, Dennis said he feels he’s rehabilitated and repented enough to return to society.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to share with the Australian people my grief and disappointment in myself over the whole fiasco,” he said.
“From here, I’d like to move on with my life and re-enter the workforce at some point. Thank you.”
The sensational sentenced handed down by NSW Supreme Court Judge Frankie Rhodes was ‘half-protective half-corrective’ according to the lawmaker.
In 1999, an Arnotts executive had his legs broken after altering the Wagon Wheel recipe in a similar incident.
More to come.
