41 fraud charges: Young man with ‘the history of a career criminal’

A convicted Facebook fraudster accused of swindling buyers for thousands of dollars while on parole for armed robbery has pleaded with a court for bail.

A serial Facebook fraudster has returned to court on another string of charges, allegedly committed while on parole for his involvement in armed robbery.

Mitchell Douglas Costanzo, 23, of North Lakes, appeared via video link in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on October 24, applying for bail and facing nine charges of fraud, allegedly committed between March 2 and September 26, 2022.

The court heard these offences were allegedly committed while on parole for his involvement in an armed robbery in July this year.

Costanzo’s lawyer Dean Mayr told the court the allegations against Costanzo are that he placed items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, collected the money from buyers but never delivered them, with the funds going directly into his back account.

Costanzo’s mother was in court.

“She (Costanzo’s mother) was overseas in New Zealand visiting her critically ill mum for a few weeks,” Mr Mayr said.

“He contacted her while she was over there, she was really worried about his well being.

“He said he had got himself into some trouble.

“She came back and they intended to hand him in but obviously he got picked up prior to that happening.

“These offences are going to total a few thousand dollars.”

Mitchell Douglas Costanzo is alleged to have posted items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, collected the money and never delivered them.

In his submission on October 24, Mr Mayr petitioned Magistrate Paul Byrne to impose a condition of bail which would limit his internet access.

The court heard Costanzo worked six days a week in a container business and that his employer spoke positively about his work ethic.

Magistrate Paul Byrne refused Costanzo bail, remanded him in custody and ordered Costanzo to appear in the Redcliffe Magistrate Court on November 21 for mention.

“He hasn’t got the criminal history of a young man, he’s got the criminal history of a career criminal for his age,” Mr Byrne said.