Joel Smith McCorkindale charged with fraud, forgery

A Gold Coast man facing hundreds of criminal charges, primarily for alleged dishonesty offences, has driven more than 280km to face court in an effort to be allowed to go home for Christmas.

Joel Smith McCorkindale has been charged with more than 200 offences.

A man facing more than 200 charges, mostly relating to fraud and dishonesty, has travelled more than 280km in an effort to be allowed to go home for Christmas.

Joel Smith McCorkindale drove from the Gold Coast where he currently resides to ask a Kingaroy magistrate if he could leave the state for a few days over the holidays.

Mr McCorkindale is currently on bail with strict conditions, including wearing an ankle monitor.

The 29-year-old has been charged with more than 230 offences, the bulk involving alleged dishonesty offences.

The charges include 70 counts of fraud, 81 counts of obtaining another person’s identification for the purpose of committing fraud, 18 counts of forgery, one charge of attempted fraud in relation to the delivery of property worth between $30,000 – 100,000 and 18 counts of using a forged document.

Joel Smith McCorkindale has been charged with more than 200 offences.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair questioned Mr McCorkindale wanted to travel into New South Wales.

“I’m looking to go to New South Wales for Christmas with my family.

“I’m going to see my mum and dad,” Mr McCorkindale said.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens opposed the bail condition, but Mr Sinclair granted him permission to leave the state for four days over Christmas.

“You’ll be able to leave any time after 5am on the 23rd and as long as you’re back by 10pm on the 27th you’re right,” Mr Sinclair said.

Mr McCorkindales matter will be heard again in court on February 9, 2024 for a registry committal.