Man pays back $35,000 after labouring in Cranbourne and Clyde North while ‘unfit’
A MAN who ripped off WorkCover by more than $35,000 while labouring on worksites in Cranbourne and Clyde North has been placed on a good behaviour bond.
Carpenter Roy Schultes was employed by Credo Group and Dura Construction on two worksites last year, despite being declared unfit for duty due to a wrist injury in December 2014.
The court heard Schultes made full admissions to WorkSafe investigators that he had worked with one company, but not the second one.
But he remortgaged his house to pay the restitution and WorkSafe’s costs before going to court.
Schultes’ defence lawyer said he was struggling financially at the time of the offending because he was supporting two families — his first wife and children and his new wife and her stepchildren.
The court heard Schultes had been working as a carpenter since he was in his early teens and had even maintained his employment while he was without stable accommodation following his marriage breakdown three years ago.
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell said she had never seen a WorkSafe case where someone had paid the full restitution before appearing in court.
However she said it was a still a case of serious fraud.
“I have taken into account that you have paid every cent back,” she said.
“That does show some remorse.
“This is the first case I have had where all the costs are paid before it started so he does need to be given credit for taking this seriously.”
Schultes was put on a good behaviour bond for 12 months.