Mayoral bloopers are not exclusive to the United States.

A mayor from down under is making his first court appearance on solicitation of murder charges. 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the mayor of Waverley, James Robert Markham, is accused of a murder-for-hire attempt.

The target of the murder for hire: A male escort, whom Markham wanted to have kidnapped, humiliated and sexually and physically assaulted. According to the article, Markham targeted the escort, Paul Dunshea, because he had been blackmailing a friend of his.

The 71-year-old, who was filmed with a hidden camera by “A Current Affair” program, allegedly describing his motives, plead not guilty in Waverely Local Court.

Markham served on Waverly Council for 27 years, and as mayor for two years.