Elderly couple splurges in spree

A senior couple fronted court after they illegally used money from a race club in which they both held roles, using the club’s bank card to pay for home items valued at thousands of dollars.

Sandra Kay Beswick appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday with her husband and co-offender John Charles Thomas sitting at the back, after they were caught illegally spending the money of a club they formerly worked at.

Police prosecutor Tim Madsen said that on June 24, 2021, a report was made to police by the new president and secretary of Moranbah Race Club, who claimed they suspected fraudulent activity from the previous position holders.

“Investigations reviewed bank records provided by the race club,” Mr Madsen said.

“Fraudulent transactions were identified in this case, there was a set of tyres for $1000, a washing machine and dryer deposit, a TCL television at $749, then $839 spent at Vision Eye in Mackay.”

Mr Madsen said the 80-yearold woman had been the principal offender in the transactions relating to all but the eyeware, where she was a “party to the offence” and the total money spent came to $2836.

Most of the money had been repaid to the club, and the little amount that was outstanding was ordered to be paid by the woman’s husband when he was sentenced. The husband had already pleaded guilty to dishonestly using the bank card and was fined $400, with no conviction recorded.

Defence lawyer Phil Rennick said his client had worked at the race club for 18 years and put a lot of time and energy into the organisation.

“They did use the card, it was more of a convenience than anything else. It’s very rare your honour would see a lady of 80 years of age with a first offence.

Acting magistrate Simone Bain highlighted the position of trust the woman was in with the club while sentencing her.

“You took advantage of a credit card you knew you shouldn’t be using,” she said.

Beswick pleaded guilty to fraud. She was fined $400, no conviction was recorded.