Star Wars mayor stole to buy Darth Vader toy

Darwin's lord mayor has been found guilty of using stolen council funds to buy a fridge, underwear and a Darth Vader voice distorter.

Peter Adamson, who has been on leave of absence since December, today maintained his innocence and refused to resign from his elected position.

The court found the mayor went on a "spending spree" with stolen council funds less than 24 hours before the end of the 2005/06 financial year, buying a $910 fridge and $1800 worth of gift vouchers.

The fridge turned up in an East Timorese thrift store about four months later, while police found most of the items bought with the gift vouchers – including women's underwear, the Star Wars character voice distorter, and a punching bag – at Adamson's home or his council office.

Adamson will be sentenced on July 23.