Hallam woman pleads guilty to defrauding TAC

08 Feb 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 8 February 2010

A Hallam woman has today pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrate’s Court to defrauding the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) of more than $8,000.

44 year old Curslay Monty contravened the Transport Accident Act 1986 by claiming loss of earnings benefits to which she was not entitled.  She returned to work whilst receiving these benefits from the TAC and did not inform the TAC that she had returned to work. Ms Monty also provided false information in her compensation claim.
 
The court found Monty guilty of obtaining a financial advantage by deception contrary to section 82 of the Crimes Act 1958.

Monty was convicted and placed on a good behaviour bond for a period of 2 years and was ordered to repay the full amount of $8,187 together with professional costs of $800.

A TAC spokesperson said the organisation took fraud very seriously and where there was evidence of misconduct, the TAC would exercise its strong legislative powers to investigate and prosecute.

Monty was also found guilty of defrauding WorkSafe of more than $172,000. She was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment wholly suspended for 18 months, and ordered to repay WorkSafe $172,061.64 together with $500 in legal costs.