Michael Paul Bownds, 35, pleads guilty to two charges of fraud relating to dodgy fuel card use

A Chinchilla man has appeared in court following a months long spree of offending at the bowser, ripping off more than two thousand dollars.

Michael Paul Bownds, 35, appeared in Warwick Magistrates Court

A Chinchilla man has appeared in court following a spree of offending at the bowser in 2023, ripping off about $2500 through the dodgy use of a fuel card.

Michael Paul Bownds, 35, faced Warwick Magistrates Court on September 9, after the man’s offending came to light.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Steve de Lissa told the court between two periods of July 5 to October 25, 2023; and June 17 to September 19, 2023, Bownds was busted using a fuel card to fill up his vehicle at two service stations in Chinchilla.

“The victim’s fuel card for his work card had been used at a number of occasions, the fuel card was used on 10 occasions and the amount of $2500 was gained as benefit,” sergeant de Lissa said.

Defence lawyer Sarah Campbell, representing Bownds, noted the machinery operator had an early plea to the charges.

“He was in a tough spot at the time, with financial difficulty,” Ms Campbell said.

Ms Campbell noted the offending was “not superfluous” and said Bownds was prepared to pay the money back.

Bownds pleaded guilty to two charges of fraud- dishonestly gain benefit or advantage on September 9.

Magistrate Janice Crawford agreed the plea was early and gave benefit due to the man’s lack of history of a like nature.

“This is misuse of a fuel card, but your use went much further than the accepted amount between the parties,” the magistrate said.

“I do accept this was born out of financial stress, you must take care as you likely won’t get an accommodation like that again.”

Bownds was fined $500 for the offending and ordered to pay back the restitution amount of $2500, referred to SPER.

No convictions were recorded.