Man accused of taking property from a deceased estate may face one count rather than 636

A man accused of hundreds of counts of stealing from a deceased estate could see his list of charges drastically reduced.

John Arthur Dowling has appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: Kaysee Miller

A 60-year-old man accused of hundreds of counts of stealing from a deceased estate may face only one charge next time he appears in court.

John Arthur Dowling, Valley View, appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, charged with 636 counts of the aggravated offence of dishonestly taking property without consent.

Dowling’s defence lawyer said negotiations with police were ongoing.

“There have been indications that all of these counts could be rolled into one count,” the defence lawyer said.

John Arthur Dowling has appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: Kaysee Miller

“Once that’s done a bank account restitution can be made of $27,059.50.

“(Dowling) has admitted his wrong doing quite some time ago to investigators.”

According to the police charge sheet, the offences started occurring on December 11, 2018, at Dudley Park, and continued to April 3, 2020, at Modbury.

Small amounts of cash were allegedly used from a debit card, with all the amounts less than $100 and as being little as $4.

Magistrate Paul Foley adjourned the matter to next be heard in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on June 9 at 11.30am.

“Negotiations are to continue to that time,” Magistrate Foley said.