Driver jailed over fraud

A SCORESBY man was sentenced to six months imprisonment last week for fraudulently obtaining nearly $20,000 in workers compensation payments.
The Ringwood Magistrates Court heard that Robert Atherton was working as a driver at a Kilmore transport company in November 2005 when he suffered a workplace assault.
Mr Atherton’s claim for workers compensation was accepted and he formally declared that he was not engaging in any form of employment while receiving weekly compensation payments.
Evidence revealed, however, that while in receipt of compensation payments Mr Atherton was employed as a driver at a Dandenong freight business.
Mr Atherton pleaded guilty to 37 counts of fraudulently obtaining payments worth $19,587 under the Accident Compensation Act 1985.
He was convicted and ordered to repay the monies he obtained fraudulently and to pay costs of $458 to WorkSafe Victoria. Mr Atherton was also sentenced to six months jail, to be served by way of an Intensive Correction Order (ICO). An ICO is a term of imprisonment served in the community.
Under the conditions of his ICO, Mr Atherton must undertake 12 hours of community work per week and report to the Ringwood Community Correction Centre at least twice a week.
If he breaches any of these conditions or commits any offence, Mr Atherton must serve the remaining period in custody.
WorkSafe Executive Director, Len Boehm said any fraud or corruption committed against WorkSafe, however large or small, was a major concern.
“This case highlights 37 counts of deceit. Mr Atherton knew exactly what he was doing.”
“While most workers are honest, a case like this can threaten to undermine community confidence and support in Victoria’s workers compensation system.
“This case is an eye-opening reminder of the consequences of dishonesty.”