Dylan McCaw in court on fraud charges

The horticulturalist and former council worker used a number of credit and debit cards to access the money of unsuspecting people.

Dylan Scott McCaw, 27, faced the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on a number of fraud charges.

A former North Burnett council worker who gained access to a number of bank cards belonging to local community members and used them for his own personal gain was sentenced in court on Monday.

Dylan Scott McCaw, 27, appeared via videolink from the Maryborough Correctional Centre where he pleaded guilty to 38 charges including fraud, receiving tainted property and attempted fraud.

The court heard McCaw received stolen credit and debit cards between May 2021 and September 2021 and used them across Bundaberg at various locations, spending $3878.46.

He was also charged for using a cheque to attempt to fraudulently deposit money into his bank account.

The court heard he had a history of similar offences, using stolen credit cards for fraudulent transactions.

McCaw’s lawyer told the court he was an experienced and certified horticulturist, previously working for North Burnett Regional Council at Mt Perry.

She said McCaw, a single dad of two, was exposed to abuse and domestic violence as a child by his stepfather.

“Despite his upbringing, he successfully completed a Certificate 2 in horticulture, a Certificate 3 in communication and administration and a number of tickets relating to horticulture work,” she said.

The court heard McCaw also had a history of anxiety and depression and was medicated for four years, but turned to drugs as a way of self-medicating.

He has been undergoing substance intervention programs and counselling in custody.

Magistrate Trinity McGarvie said she took his attempts at rehabilitation into consideration.

“All that dishonesty occurred very shortly after you were dealt with by the court and were released on a suspended sentenced,” Ms McGarvie said.

“You express your remorse in your offending at the cost of the community.

“But I’m persuaded I should structure your sentence to at least see you on parole today.

“You have abstained from drug use in custody, you have engaged, to your credit, in some substance abuse programs in custody and you wish to continue with your rehabilitation.

“I accept that you’re someone who wants to contribute to the community and wants to be employed in the future and you want to support your mother, who requires a carer.”

McCaw had been remanded in custody for 152 days while waiting for his court appearance.

He was released on parole and given a head sentence of just shy of 18 months, to be served cumulatively.