Artist Neville William Gentry charged over improper use of service decorations

A Brisbane artist who faked service and academic awards put himself in the frame with police after offering to create art representing emergency services.

A Brisbane artist who faked service and academic awards, including an OAM, effectively handed himself into police by offering to do their artwork, a court has heard.

Neville William Gentry, also known as Nickolas Von Gentry, 52, of Greenslopes, was charged with improper use of service decorations and 10 counts of fraud after he approached police about doing an artwork representing emergency services.

The Brisbane Magistrates Court heard detectives subsequently launched an investigation and discovered he had claimed to be a Medal of the Order of Australia and Officer of the order of Australia recipient in his dealings with clients.

Gentry, who has no previous criminal history, pleaded guilty to all charges in court this morning.

Neville William Gentry pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and improper use of service decorations. File picture.

Police Prosecutor Snr Con Tri Pham said Gentry dishonestly gained business customers and community standing between January 1 and April 29 by placing the fake credentials in his email signatures.

He also held himself out to be a doctor of psychology.

During that same time period he allegedly wore Order of Australia medals that had not been conferred on him.

“It’s both dishonest and deceptive to advance his own standing when he’s not entitled to,” he said.

Legal Aid lawyer Laura Manley said her client didn’t intend to deceive anybody and was only trying to get into the character of a subject he was planning to sketch.

He sourced fake medals of the internet so he could understand their tactile nature.

As a result of being charged and the subsequent media attention his income as an artist went from about $2500 a week to $150.

“He’s not getting jobs,” she said.

Acting Magistrate Ann Gummow accepted his motive was an artistic one as opposed to trying to deceive.

“I can’t see that any damage has been caused except to you,” she said.

Gentry was sentenced to 80 hours’ community service.

On his website, Gentry says he has over 30 years of experience as a “professional artisan” and his clients have included breweries, cafes, restaurants and TV and film companies.