Court hears how pokie habit, depression led to theft from deceased estate

A 60-year-old public service worker has been sentenced for stealing more than $20,000 from a deceased estate over the course of two years.

Valley View man John Arthur Dowling, 60, received a suspended sentence in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today for using a dead man’s debit card he came across during his work for Housing SA.

The court heard that anxiety and depression following heart bypass surgery, and a pokie habit, led him to commit theft of small amounts of money, via PayWave, on more than 600 occasions.

Dowling plead guilty to two counts of theft on Wednesday.

In sentencing Dowling, Magistrate David McLeod said Dowling’s crime involved using a debit card on 634 occasions to steal $27,472.14.

“The offending had its origin in the defendant’s position as a housing officer with Housing SA,” he said.

John Arthur Dowling has received a suspended sentence for theft in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: Kaysee Miller

“In the course of his duties he attended at the house of the deceased and took possession of a debit card and proceeded to use it.”

Magistrate McLeod said the offending covered a period from December, 2018, to March, 2020.

“The manner of the theft was by way of PayWave, for small transactions covering usual household, day-to-day purchases including groceries, drinks, tickets and the like.”

Magistrate McLeod said prior to this offending Dowling had an “unblemished record” and he had spent 30 years in the public service.

“You had been with Housing SA since 2003 and were responsible for managing over 400 tenants,” he said.

“You also had a responsible position in liaising with SAPOL in relation to Housing SA properties and tenants.

“You’ve also been involved as a volunteer and have been an otherwise hardworking and useful member of the community.”

A pokie addiction led to a court appearance for a Valley View man in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Magistrate McLeod said in 2017, Dowling developed anxiety and depression following heart problems and bypass surgery.

“This exacerbated his interest in poker machines, which developed into a habit,” he said.

Magistrate McLeod said while the use of the card was primarily for day-to-day items, Dowling’s circumstances at the time made it hard for him to “resist the temptation to use the card until it was cancelled by the authorities”.

Magistrate McLeod said, to Dowling’s credit, he had made full restitution for the $27,472.14, by drawing down on his superannuation.

“He’s ashamed and embarrassed by his conduct,” Magistrate McLeod said.

Dowling received a suspended sentence of one year, 19 days, upon entering into a three year good behaviour bond.

He was also sentenced to 200 hours of community service, to be completed within 12 months.