Former Olympian Neil brooks and wife Linda given until August 3 to get to Australia to face fraud charge in court
An Olympic gold medallist and member of the “Mean Machine” relay team has been charged, alongside his wife, over an alleged $1.95 million business fraud, with both facing the threat of a warrant if they don’t get back to Australia in time to face court.
Police & Courts
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An Olympic Gold medallist and his wife charged over an alleged $1.95 million business fraud have been unable to enter Australia due to being unvaccinated, a court has heard.
Former champion swimmer Neil Brooks and his wife Linda, who currently live in Indonesia, were charged in 2017 with count each of fraud – dishonestly induce delivery property over $5000.
Police allege they were directors of a sports clothing manufacturing company which made dishonest representations about the success of the business in order to induce an investor to purchase a stake in it.
It’s alleged this occurred at Southport in 2008.
The couple have indicated they will fight the charges.
The case was mentioned this morning in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
The Brooks’ lawyer Macalaister Gray said his clients were attempting to get vaccinated but as ex-pats they were not being prioritised.
“They’re not allowed to return to Australia as they’re not vaccinated as far as I understand it,” he said.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Anthony Gett expressed concern at the length of time the matter had gone unresolved.
“Well they better work out how to get back or I’ll be issuing a warrant it’s dragged on way too long,” he said.
“Your clients have had (four and a half) years to resolve their position in the Magistrates Court.”
Neil Brooks won gold as part of the 4x100m medley relay team known as the Mean Machine at the Moscow Olympics in 1980 and was previously a Seven Network presenter.
After being charged in 2017 he said he looked forward to his day in court.
“It has been a tough ten years but I am actually looking forward to having my accusers and setting the record straight,” he said.
Earlier this year the Brooks said the borders were open but only two flights out of Bali had gone to Australia and they were actively looking to book one, according to court documents.
The matter was set down for a committal on August 3 with Mr Gett ordering the Brooks appear in person.
Their lawyers are scheduled to make a submission that the Brooks have no case to answer in relation to the charges on that day.
Nine witnesses are expected to be cross-examined.
The Brooks currently remain on bail.
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