Dad sentenced after Centrelink fraud to help son in trouble
A truck driver from Caboolture spent three years defrauding Centrelink in a bid to save his son from a “large” drug debt.
Moreton
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A father who defrauded Centrelink of nearly $40,000 while trying to pay off his son’s drug debts has narrowly avoided jail.
Caboolture South asphalt truck driver David John Beckhouse, 57, lied to Centrelink about how much he was earning over the course of three years.
The court heard the grandfather of 12 received an extra $38,637.15 in Newstart allowance by claiming he was earning, through his job, less than he actually was.
The court heard that on two of the 74 fortnightly income reports dates, he falsely claimed he had not earned any income.
The court heard Beckhouse — who had to give away his career as a mechanic due to arthritis and repetitive strain injury — had used the extra money to help repay his son’s “large” drug debt as well as repay personal loans.
The court heard Beckhouse had admitted the fraud — which carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail — to authorities once questioned and had voluntarily repaid $400 of the money.
Magistrate James Blanch said Beckhouse showed genuine remorse.
“You’ve pleaded guilty today at a very early occasion,” Magistrate Blanch said.
“By doing this in such a timely manner, is a significant cost saving to the community.
“It had seemed well likely that the fraud would have continued.”
Beckhouse received a 24-month recognisance of $3000 and faces a 12-month prison sentence if brought back before the courts. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $38,237.15.
“You’re lucky to be walking out of here,” Magistrate Blanch said.
“I understand the position you were put in by your son but sometimes you’ve just got to let go.”
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