Cricket ump admits major cash thefts
A HIGHLY regarded Geelong cricket umpire has pleaded guilty to theft charges totalling almost half a million dollars.
Reginald Mark Stockwell, 63, appeared at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to 13 counts of theft.
Charge sheets obtained by the Geelong Advertiser reveal Mr Stockwell, of Grovedale, stole substantial sums of money from the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.
The fraternal organisation, which has its roots in the United Kingdom, has operated in the Geelong region for decades. It has been noted for its charitable work, including fundraising for the dialysis unit at Geelong hospital.
Mr Stockwell is a life member with the Geelong Cricket Umpires Association.
At the time of the offending, which occurred between 2012 and 2019, Mr Stockwell served as a grand secretary with the Buffaloes.
He also spent time as secretary of its Bell Post Hill branch.
According to the charge sheets, Mr Stockwell stole more than $456,000 from the organisation.
It is alleged that $202,000 was stolen on one day alone in July 2016.
Other significant sums were taken in July 2014 ($99,000) and May 2016 ($40,000).
Mr Stockwell was charged in February this year after Geelong detectives launched an investigation.
According to Mr Stockwell’s personal Facebook page, he departed the Buffaloes in January after joining the organisation in 2001.
He has been on bail since he was charged with the offences.
Magistrate Ann McGarvie extended Mr Stockwell’s bail ahead of a further hearing at the County Court on October 16.