Aaron John Taylor sentenced over fake mental health prognosis attempt
A serial fraudster has been exposed for faking a mental health prognosis while being dealt with for trying to “thwart” a domestic violence order.
Police & Courts
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A Kingaroy father who attempted to “thwart” a domestic violence order was revealed to have faked a mental health prognosis and treatment through a fraudulent psychologist’s letter, a Sunshine Coast court has heard.
Aaron John Taylor, 47, appeared in Maroochydore District Court via videolink from the Maryborough Correctional Centre on December 9, where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The court was told Taylor was being sentenced in the Kingaroy Magistrates Court on November 15, 2021, for charges of fraud, forgery and uttering after intentionally trying to “thwart” a domestic violence order when his lawyer handed up a two-page psychologist letter.
The letter detailed a prognosis as well as medication and treatment Taylor had apparently undergone, as well as claims he had been attending therapy.
The prognosis itself was not shared in court.
The court was told the prosecutor later became suspicious of the document after the sentence had finished.
Chief Judge Brian Devereaux said after calling the psychologist who appeared to have written the letter, it was confirmed Taylor was not her patient and she did not write the letter, nor was she employed at the practice referenced in the letterhead.
Crown prosecutor Samantha O’Rourke said Taylor had an extended history of “dishonest” offences, including several convictions of fraud.
Defence barrister Charlotte Smith said when her client is not in custody, he takes an active role in the lives of his children such as by coaching at sporting activities.
This is what he intended to do once released from prison, she said.
Mrs Smith reiterated her client’s offending in this matter was not a case of him threatening anyone, but for his own “selfish gain”.
Judge Devereaux sentenced Taylor to two years’ prison, but said he would be released on parole after being re sentenced for the earlier matter in the Kingaroy Magistrates Court later on December 9.
He ordered 314 days Taylor had served behind bars would be declared as time served.
A conviction was recorded.
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