Ipswich tradie Justin Curran-Gadsden faces court charged with defrauding carpentry clients

An Ipswich tradie has been charged with defrauding his carpentry clients after a devastated couple accused him of abandoning work on their dream home, leaving behind sub-par work and a mountain of costs.

An Ipswich tradie has faced court for the first time after being charged with defrauding his carpentry clients by up to $100k.

Karrabin carpenter Justin Leslie Curran-Gadsden, 31, is charged with two counts of fraud (dishonestly gain benefit/advantage).

One of the charges carries the aggravating circumstance alleging the value of the fraud totalled over $30,000, but less than $100,000.

Police will allege Mr Curran-Gadsden defrauded Calvert couple Kate and Chris Schreiweis of the more significant value between May 23 and July 26, 2023.

Justin Curran-Gadsden leaves Ipswich Court on April 10, 2024. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Mr Curran-Gadsden is also accused of defrauding another client Denise Morris between May 8 and May 21, 2023, at Laidley.

Ms Morris and Ms Schreiweis both attended Ipswich Court on April 10, 2024, at the matter’s first mention.

Ms Schreiweis said she wanted Mr Curran-Gadsden to face what she alleges he had done to them both.

She had told The Queensland Times prior to charges being laid that Mr Curran-Gadsden had abandoned work on her dream home in Calvert last year.

She said he left her out of pocket by a significant sum - with “unsatisfactory” work that now needed to be redone.

Kate Schreiweis and Denise Morris outside Ipswich Court on April 10, 2024. Picture: Nicola McNamara

At the matter’s first mention on April 10, police prosecutor Nanette Green requested an adjournment for the material to be transferred to the Department of Prosecutions.

Senior Constable Green said the charges were so serious the matter would need to proceed in the District Court.

The matter was adjourned to May 3, 2024.

Mr Curran-Gadsden declined to comment.