Robert Wayne Collins remanded in custody after allegedly stealing almost $1 million

An 81-year-old man who allegedly stole almost $1 million from victims who trusted him was already serving a sentence at the time of his fresh arrest, a court has heard.

Robert Wayne Collins appeared at the Berri Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

A man who allegedly stole almost $1m from people after telling them he’d invest it for them was already serving a sentence at the time of his arrest, a court has heard.

Robert Wayne Collins appeared in the Berri Magistrates Court, via video link from custody, on Wednesday after he was arrested and charged with 10 counts of aggravated theft and one count of aggravated dishonest dealing with documents.

Robert Wayne Collins has been charged with 10 counts of aggravated theft and one count of aggravated dishonest dealing with documents.

A police prosecutor said forensic accountants had been working for nine months to obtain evidence that Mr Collins allegedly stole more than $913,000.

“My understanding is the forensic side of this investigation has already been ongoing for nine months,” she said.

“Not all the relevant bank statements have yet been received, there’s also e-crime going through, is my understanding, through the accused’s computer.

“Essentially this is quite a complex and complicated matter which the forensic accountants are going to be primarily responsible for providing the evidence that we require.”

Police allege that Mr Collins, 81, of Hackham, was acting in a position of trust when several victims gave him money to invest in self-managed super funds and international opportunities.

Police allege he used the funds for personal use.

The police prosecutor said Mr Collins is currently serving the remaining two years of a sentence and will be eligible for parole in mid-December.

Mr Collins did not apply for bail and will next appear in court in September.