North Queensland pilot Josh Hoch to fight fraud convictions

A North Queensland pilot jailed for defrauding the government of $370k has announced a major update to his legal battle.

Josh Hoch was jailed for flying Katter's Australian Party politicians without the proper licensing.

A North Queensland pilot jailed for defrauding the government of $370k has announced he will fight his convictions.

Josh Hoch illegally chartered members of the Katter’s Australian Party on multiple occasions and issued 96 invoices to the government between 2011 and 2015.

He was convicted by a jury after a November trial on thirteen counts including fraud to the value of $30,000, general dishonesty, fraud and flying without a Civil Aviation Authority.

He was also convicted on five counts of offences in relation to aircraft.

A total of $370,697.20 was wrongfully paid to Hoch as a result of issuing the 96 invoices.

Judge Michael Byrne KC jailed Hoch for five years.

Josh Hoch and Nichole Limburg.

There is no wrongdoing alleged against the Katters.

In Townsville District Court on Friday, Hoch’s lawyer Troydon Maltby announced that an appeal against each of his fraud convictions had been lodged.

Hoch’s wife, Nichole Ellen Limburg – who is self represented – is also facing fraud charges including fraud – dishonestly gain benefit or advantage, and is awaiting trial on the matter.

She has pleaded not guilty.

The court heard that two of Hoch’s charges remain outstanding, including not authorised to commence flight and falsification of documents – which are contested.

It was also heard that he is facing unrelated counts of fraud and dangerous operation of a vehicle – which are alleged to have occurred at Mount Isa on dates spanning 2014 and 2016.

The dangerous operation charge and two fraud counts were transferred to the Mount Isa District Court for mention on January 25, 2023.

The court heard Limburg did not have the funds to pay for a lawyer.

Judge Gregory Lynham listed her matter for mention in mid-February for a trial date availability to be confirmed.

Originally published as North Queensland pilot Josh Hoch to fight fraud convictions