Kaylem Hine pleads guilty to Gumtree fraud, meth possession

An “extremely trustworthy” Sunshine Coast father has left his fraud victim in the lurch for nearly two years after dishonestly inducing almost $5000 from him through an online car listing.

Kaylem James Hine faced Caloundra Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook

A Dicky Beach dad described as having a “strong moral compass” has been forced to pay back almost $5000 he scammed from his victim through a Gumtree fraud.

Caloundra Magistrates Court heard it was not Kaylem James Hine’s first rodeo, with the 28-year-old being given a suspended jail sentence for attempted fraud back in 2020.

Police prosecutor Stephen Potter told the court on Tuesday Hine defrauded his victim of $4800 in relation to a vehicle on the online marketplace on November 9, 2022.

The court heard the father of two induced the victim to transfer the money over seven different transactions, some through PayID, while other payments were sent to his partner’s account. Hine would then transfer the funds to himself.

Sergeant Potter said the 28-year-old was intercepted by police along Cribb St at Landsborough on April 10 where he returned a positive result to a drug test roadside.

Kaylam James Hine leaves Caloundra Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Police searched the vehicle where 4.29g of ice was found, along with drug related items including spoons, scales, a pipe and blowtorch lighters.

Defence lawyer Rowena Ferrall said Hine was going through stressful times during both offence dates where he was using drugs. She said the 28-year-old had been trying to “stay afloat” financially due to his former partner being pregnant when he committed the Gumtree fraud.

Ms Ferrall said this was also compounded by a gambling problem.

She said Hine was remorseful for his actions, however conceded he hadn’t attended any rehab courses but would like to in the future.

The court was told the 28-year-old was currently unemployed but previously worked in the construction industry where he hoped to continue work.

Ms Ferrall said Hine also made full admissions to police during his drug arrest and offered to pay $400 restitution to his fraud victim.

Acting magistrate Raelene Ellis said the fraud victim had been “out of pocket” for almost two years since he was swindled, with Hine only managing to muster up $400 on Tuesday as compensation.

Kaylam James Hine leaves Caloundra Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

She also questioned the character references tendered to the court which said Hine has a “strong moral compass” and “extremely trustworthy”.

“It seems that you must be able to present one face to these individuals ... whilst acting in a different manner,” Ms Ellis said.

Hine pleaded guilty to five offences including possessing dangerous drugs over the schedule, drug driving and dishonestly inducing delivery of property and was sentenced to 14 months’ jail, but given immediate parole.

He was fined $1000, ordered to pay $400 restitution, disqualified from driving for four months and ordered to complete 60 hours’ community service.

Convictions were recorded.

The remainder of his fraud will be repaid through SPER.