Ian David Bielby appears before Toowoomba court on five counts of fraud

The former building certifier is accused of fraud to the value of more than $245,000.

Ian David Bielby has appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on five counts of fraud.

A Toowoomba building certifier charged with fraud has appeared before the city’s Magistrates Court.

Ian David Bielby stood quietly beside his solicitor Brad Skuse, of Skuse Graham Lawyers, who asked for a four-week adjournment.

Mr Skuse said he had received the police brief of evidence Monday morning and needed time to go through the brief with his client and take instructions.

Mr Bielby was not required to enter any pleas to the charges, including two fresh matters, which include fraud – dishonestly gain benefit/advantage to the value of at least $100,000, fraud – dishonestly gain benefit/advantage to the value of over $30,000 but less than $100,000, and three counts of fraud – dishonestly gain benefit/advantage.

Police claim Mr Bielby obtained payments from a number of Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley businesses to certify a large number of sheds, housing extensions and new builds but did not complete the work.

Toowoomba police have claimed the fraud alleged amounted to more than $245,000 over a period from January 2018 to April 2021.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission suspended Mr Bielby’s licence in October 2020.

Due to the amount alleged, the case would eventually have to be put before the higher court.

Magistrate Damian Carroll remanded Mr Bielby on bail and adjourned the case for mention back in the same court on September 27.

Originally published as Ian David Bielby appears before Toowoomba court on five counts of fraud