Woman freed despite rip-off

A FRAUDSTER who took $45,000 from a mentally impaired man and gambled it away has barely avoided going to jail.

Susanne Curtin attempted to hide behind her barrister as she hurried from the Cairns District Court after the facts of her betrayal were laid bare.

The 54-year-old had been a friend and quasi-carer for the now 66-year-old man, gaining his trust to a level where he gave her his bank card and PIN number.

This was so she could help with buying him necessities, except she took advantage of his trust by making numerous withdrawals between November 2, 2012 and November 6, 2013 and spending the cash on her gambling addiction.

Curtin was found out when her friend fell behind on his rent and learned he only had $17 in the bank.

Her crime nearly landed her with a stint at the Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre, but ultimately she walked free with a conviction and two-year wholly suspended jail term.

“That means you’re not going to jail,” Judge Dean Morzone QC said.

“Don’t underestimate what difficultly I had in coming to that view.”

The court heard the pair had met because the victim was a regular at the bottleshop where Curtin worked in Cardwell. Over four years they formed a friendship. Curtin would often drive the victim, who was a heavy drinker, home as well as help out with his home duties. GUILTY: Susanne Curtin leaves court after she was released on a suspended jail term.

He would give her cash here and there for her help and also loaned her money.

Barrister Tim Grau said initially she only used his bank card while he was there, but the temptation and her addiction became too much and she began making withdrawals behind his back totalling $45,000. She pleaded guilty to one count of fraud.

Emily Coley, for Crown Prosecutions, pushed for actual custody citing the crime as a lengthy and significant breach of trust. But Mr Grau argued that her numerous and complex health issues would make any time in jail much harder for Curtin. She was also responsible for two children aged 14 and 15 who lived at home.

The court heard she had also dealt with her gambling addictions and now rarely left the house.

“This is not a court of sympathy,” Judge Morzone said.

He weighed up her early plea of guilty, co-operation, otherwise good character, rehabilitation and health issues and decided a suspended jail term was most appropriate.