Man avoids prison over fraud

A NORTHERN Tasmanian man who falsely claimed nearly $46,000 from insurance for a stolen ute and motorcycle that were later found on his property has avoided jail time.

After just over two hours of deliberations a jury at the Launceston Supreme Court unanimously found Leon Jeffrey Watts, 46, guilty of two charges of dishonestly acquiring financial advantage.

A jury found him guilty of making a false statutory declaration and false statements.

The Grindelwald man claimed his Holden WB flat tray ute and KTM Super Duke motorcycle were stolen from his shed and reported it to police on October 2, 2019.

He later received a payout of $19,700 from Shannons Motor Insurance for a claim relating to the ute and a payout of $26,200 from Swann Insurance for a claim for the stolen motorcycle.

The court heard on December 5, 2019 police received an anonymous tip off saying it was insurance fraud and the vehicles were on the property, and reopened their investigation.

During a visit to the property on January 2, 2020 police located the stolen car and motorcycle in a shed.

Watts told police he had been drunk after watching the AFL grand final and forgotten he had left the motorcycle at a friend’s place. He said was reminded by a friend a couple of weeks later. Watts had pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Defence counsel Lucy Flanagan said a suspended sentence would provide appropriate deterrence and allow Watts to carry out the travel needed for his work as a carpet layer.

Ms Flanagan said the money was fully paid back to both companies.

Watts received a 15 months sentence wholly suspended for two years on the condition that he does not commit any offences punishable by imprisonment.