Cailin Ann Bobbermen guilty of fleecing employer of $26,000

A rising equestrian star and budding entrepreneur defrauded $26,000 from her employer and spent the money on clothes, car parts and animal equipment.

A rising star on the southeast Queensland equestrian scene took her former employer for a $26,000 ride, using company credit cards to purchase horse riding equipment, car parts and clothes, a court has heard.

Wolffdene woman Cailin Ann Bobbermen, 26, pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court on Monday to a single count of fraud by way of dishonest application of a credit card belonging to her employer, Daniel Fuchs, managing director of car cleaning franchise business Waves Detail Pro.

The court heard Bobbermen rose through the ranks of the company to become Mr Fuch’s “de facto personal assistant”, earning $900 a week.

This gave her access to the company credit cards, which she abused between December 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.

Crown prosecutor Zachary Kaplan told the court a little over $26,000 was spent in amounts as little as $11.99, right up to purchases nearing $4000.

Wolffdene trick rider Cailin Ann Bobbermen, 26. Picture: Instagram

He told the court Bobbermen spent money variously on horseriding equipment and accessories, car parts and clothing, inter alia.

The offending came to light when Mr Fuchs audited his books and Bobbermen made full admissions to police when interviewed in July 2018.

The court heard Bobbermen had since paid back $1352 and had outstanding wages docked by Mr Fuchs, although $22,312.10 remains outstanding.

Defence counsel Chris Minnery told the court his client, who had no previous criminal history, was driven to the offending by the “extreme, constant stress” she faced in her role at Waves.

“The complainant (Mr Fuchs) is relatively notorious,” Mr Minnery said.

“His business was setting up franchises for people washing and detailing cars.

“He is currently subject to investigations via ASIC and the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission).

“He is being pursued civilly by a number of complainants.

“The allegation is that he was taking people’s money without actually giving them any franchise.

“He had six or seven young people working for him but did not show up himself and would divert his calls to employees who would field irate calls.

“My client was in a position of constant stress receiving multiple calls per day and she would try and help as best she could.”

Mr Minnery said the offending was committed by an otherwise blemish-free, successful woman.

He said Bobbermen graduated from Brisbane State High School and had an impressive work history, working variously at McDonald’s, Wet ‘n’ Wild, at the former Department of Education and Training, and as a sign-writer.

He said she was currently completing an apprenticeship in electrical mechanics and had a successful side career in “horse physiotherapy”.

Bobbermen is also an equestrian trick rider of some repute.

Mr Minnery told the court his client had sought treatment from a psychiatrist following her offending and had not reoffended while on bail.

He submitted that delays in the case could be attributed to Mr Fuchs, who declined to engage in an offer of mediation.

Judge Paul Smith sentenced Bobbermen to two years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of two years.

A conviction was recorded.

He declined to make an order that Bobbermen pay restitution to Mr Fuchs, saying the complainant could pursue the matter civilly.