Ex-army and Redland Bay man Erick McLean in court over $20k car fraud

A bayside man who spent more than 12 years in the military has faced court for ripping a car dealership off more than $20,000.

Erick McLean leaving Cleveland Magistrates Court.

An ex-soldier from Brisbane’s bayside has faced court after trying to swindle a car dealership and dupe a finance company in the process.

Erick McLean, 31, pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 2, to one count of fraud — dishonestly gaining benefit advantage.

The court heard McLean was at a Mazda dealership in Redland Bay to discuss selling his car for an agreed amount of $38,000 on August 11 last year.

“The defendant returned on August 26 to complete the paperwork in regards to the sale of that vehicle and to advise the business that no finance was outstanding on the vehicle,” the police prosecutor said.

Checks revealed that McLean had not paid off the car and an amount of $1340.22 was still owed to National Motor Loans.

“The court heard the victim transferred this amount to the finance company and the balance of $36,659.78 went to the defendant’s nominated bank (from the Mazda dealership),” the police prosecutor said.

The victim company, Redland Bay Mazda, was notified on October 6 that McLean had not paid off the car and had actually owed a total balance of $23,340 to the finance company.

“Police contacted National Motor Loans where the company advised police that the actual amount outstanding had been sent to the defendant for the correct amount of $23,340 in a word document format which they’ve now changed policy and are now using PDF.

The court heard it was believed the document was altered to change the amount of money owed to the financial company.

“He said he did not know how the letter had been changed and that it wasn’t him,” the police prosecutor said.

The court heard the amount of $23,600.44 had since been paid to Redlands Mazda.

McLean’s lawyer, Katelyn Sherrin, said her client found it difficult adjusting to normal life after 12 years working in the military and was financially troubled.

“He was medically discharged (from the military) in November 2021,” Ms Sherrin said.

“He suffers from Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and Insomnia.

“He is extremely remorseful.

“He has paid back what he owed (to Mazda).”

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said he was not the only person struggling financially.

“In terms of setting the right message out there, there are a lot of people out there struggling with money,” Ms Vasta said.

“After thirteen years you must just feel like a fish out of water.

“But we do need you to pay back to the community.

“It is an offence that is serious.”

McLean was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.

No conviction was recorded.