Prison for crime compo fraudster

THE last member of a group that took millions from a fund designed to benefit victims of crime has been jailed six years after the Cairns man fled Australia to escape his fate.

Philip Charles Tonkin showed little emotion yesterday as Adelaide District Court sentenced him to 3 ½ years’ jail.

Tonkin, 33, received $300,000 from the Victims of Crime compensation fund but gave half back to its mastermind, corrupt public servant and would-be murderer Nicholas Wayne Lowe.

In sentencing, Judge Paul Muscat – who punished Lowe and the rest of the cabal – said Tonkin had done himself no favours in the years since his crime.

“You’ve submitted you simply spent the money, that you didn’t keep check of how much came in or was given to Lowe ... I find that difficult to accept,” he said.

“You’ve not been able to, or not prepared to, properly account for the money to this court’s satisfaction.

Tonkin was one of several beneficiaries of Lowe’s scheme, which he achieved by falsifying actual police and medical reports to which he had access due to his position.

In total, the syndicate pocketed $1.135 million through the scam, using it to fund lavish lifestyles and overseas trips.

Two of Lowe’s co-offenders were jailed while others including his wife Andrea received suspended sentences.

On Thursday, Judge Muscat said Tonkin had evaded arrest thanks to Andrea Lowe.

“While the others remained in SA to face the consequences, you immediately left the country for Thailand – where you remained for five years, until you overstayed your visa,” he said.

Judge Muscat imposed an 18-month non-parole period, saying the case was too serious for a suspended sentence or home detention.