THE property developer who argued a news article wrongly depicted him as acquiring prostitutes for former mayor Paul Pisasale faces a huge legal bill after losing a long-running court case.

Cherish Enterprises Johnson Lin sued Fairfax Digital Australia and New Zealand Pty Ltd over a 2017 article in The Brisbane Times.

The story alleged Mr Lin had arranged sexual services for Mr Pisasale so as to gain favourable treatment for the now controversial housing development at Springfield’s Woogaroo Forest.

Mr Lin denied wrongdoing, insisting he only directed Mr Pisasale to a brothel at Molendinar at the ex-mayor’s own requests.

Mr Lin said he had not been involved in illegal or unethical behaviour.

A jury in November 2024 unanimously rejected five defamatory imputations that Mr Lin claimed the article had alleged.

After the case fell apart, the District Court of Queensland said Mr Lin must pay Fairfax’s legal costs and indemnity.

Mr Lin was judged by the court as unreasonably rejecting formal offers to settle, including proposals to amend the story and discontinue proceedings.

Indemnity costs under the Defamation Act 2005 allow courts the power to enforce higher cost fines when litigants reject equitable offers.

Mr Lin’s legal result came after more than six years of legal affairs.

Fairfax is expected to receive substantial costs.

• Mr Lin’s family company, Cherish, owns a 250ha block at Woogaroo Forest.

The land, inhabited by endangered and threatened species, faces clear-felling for 1,800 dwellings.