Former Mercy aged care worker Tim Hannay jailed for fraud as employee

A respected health worker and community club president thought he’d found a way to exploit his employee expense system. Now his dodgy dealings and trust-breaking travel bills can be revealed.

Timothy Eric Hannay, who has held presidential roles in the Rockhampton Multiple Birth Club and Lions Club of Rockhampton Fitzroy River, was jailed this morning for fraud. He was a senior member of Mercy Health and Aged Care when he racked up $60,441.40 in fraudulent transactions and false expense claims through 258 transactions on a company credit card, taxi vouchers and false airfare documents during a 15-month period - January 10, 2018, to May 14, 2019.

A health worker who held a senior role at a not-for-profit national aged care provider and in community clubs has been jailed after “living it up” with more than $60,000 fleeced from his employer.

Timothy Eric Hannay, who has held presidential roles in the Rockhampton Multiple Birth Club and Lions Club of Rockhampton Fitzroy River, was sentenced in the district court on Wednesday for fraud.

Crown prosecutor Ken Spinaze told the court Hannay was a senior member of Mercy Health and Aged Care when he racked up $60,441.40 in fraudulent transactions and false expense claims through 258 transactions on a company credit card, taxi vouchers and false airfare documents during a 15-month period – January 10, 2018, to May 14, 2019.

Hannay, 51, travelled for his job and those expenses were covered by his employer.

However, his family, who he was using Mercy’s money to fly to different cities, were not. There is no suggestion that his family had any knowledge of Hannay‘s fraudulent activities.

Judge Jeff Clarke described the offending motivation by Hannay as “just living it up”.

Mr Spinaze said Hannay’s offending was detected on May 8, 2019, by two overly expensive taxi fares.

The court heard Hannay flew his wife, Vanessa, to Melbourne and the couple used taxis to attend an entertainment event.

Mr Spinaze said this prompted an internal audit and then Mercy hired solicitors to investigate further.

Hannay was stood down from his role at Mercy on May 15, 2019, and he resigned on May 22, 2019, and offered to pay back the money.

He was charged in November 2022.

Prior to sentencing, Hannay was employed in another senior role at Benevolent Living at The Range.

His barrister, Jordan Ahlstrand, provided the court a reference letter written by one of the Benevolent managers, along with one from his sister-in-law Janet and a personal reference from Diane Hamilton – president, announcer and producer at the South Rockhampton radio station which broadcasts 24/7 throughout Central Queensland.

He said Hannay’s wife, who is a nurse, and other family members, along with Ms Hamilton, were in court in support.

Mr Ahlstrand said the father to three, including twins, had $42,000 placed in trust to pay back to the victim organisation.

Judge Clarke referred to Hannay’s restitution offer as “hollow” for a man who was “in a trusted role” on the leadership team.

Hannay pleaded guilty to one count of fraud as an employee over $30,000.

The court heard Hannay, who had no criminal record prior to this offending, faced up to 14 years prison.

Judge Clarke sentenced Hannay to three years’ prison, suspended after serving eight months with an operational period of four years.

Hannay must also pay $42,000 restitution.