$45,000 on clothing: What NDIS fraudster Paul Tilbury spent his stolen money on

A former NDIS provider CEO stole from his clients to fund a lavish lifestyle – blowing $400,000 on clothes, booze, travel, tobacco and one eyebrow-raising purchase.

An NDIS fraudster has been jailed after stealing more than $400,000 from clients and going on a wild spending spree, splurging nearly $45,000 on clothes, $17,000 on travel, $3500 on Japanese food and buying a $2000 “BDSM bench”.

Paul Kevan Tilbury, 58, appeared in the District Court on Tuesday, after pleading guilty to 19 counts of deception.

The court heard his greed was motivated by a desire to portray himself as “successful” – often referring to himself as ‘Dr Tilbury’ despite never having such qualifications.

Judge Paul Muscat said Tilbury, founder and CEO of Adelaide NDIS provider People Come First, “shamefully” submitted $404,000 worth of false NDIS claims in an effort to live the “good life” between 2017 and 2019.

“Not only did you deceive the NDIA, but the participants you were supposed to be supporting were – in many cases – not provided the assistance or support they were entitled to,” Judge Muscat said. “You did so for selfish reasons – you shamefully put yourself ahead of your clients.

Tilbury leaving court in 2023. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The court heard he was a former university lecturer in New South Wales. Picture: Supplied

“Your modus operandi involved in the fraudulent claims included inflating legitimate claims, duplicating legitimate claims, claiming for services not provided and cancelling false claims after the fact when challenged by the participant.”

Tilbury of Woodforde has been banned for life from operating as an NDIS provider.

His spending included $12,700 on tobacconists, $4700 on restaurants, $7000 on booze and $9600 on jewellery.

Last month, Mollie McKendrick, for the prosecution, told the court there had been a lack of insight, remorse and rehabilitation into Tilbury’s offending, which was driven by greed.

James Caldicott, for Tilbury, previously told the court his client was remorseful for his offending, which had “snowballed out of control” after he began “robbing Peter to pay Paul”.

On Tuesday, Judge Muscat said he did not accept Tilbury was trying to keep his business afloat – highlighting the vast “personal expenditure” presented to the court.

That expenditure included a bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism bench used for sexual activity involving physical restraint.

Tilbury’s offending, the court heard, left the family of his victims feeling “distrust toward all NDIS providers”.

“They are now sceptical about who they can trust or rely upon to provide the care they are entitled to receive,” Judge Muscat said.

“Somewhat ironically, you have recently applied for an NDIS package as a result of your physical and mental health disorders.”

Judge Muscat sentenced Tilbury to three years in jail – of which one year and nine months will be served until he can be released on a two-year good behaviour bond.

Minister for Social Services and NDIS Amanda Rishworth said anyone looking to steal from NDIS participants in the future could “expect to face swift justice”.

“We’re continuing to invest in further strengthening of the NDIA’s systems to prevent and detect attempts to exploit participants and funding from this life-changing scheme,” Ms Rishworth said.