East Lismore couple Stuart and Rebecca Allan to fight Black Summer bushfires fraud allegations

A Lismore couple accused of fraudulently claiming more than $75,000 in bushfire grant assistance have faced a local court as they prepare to fight charges.

East Lismore couple Stuart and Rebecca Allan outside Lismore Local Court.

An East Lismore couple accused of fraudulently claiming $75,000 in bushfire grant assistance have returned to a Northern Rivers court.

Stuart Rob Allan, 36, and Rebecca Jane Allan, 35, returned to Lismore Local Court on Monday with a new legal team to secure a date for their hearing.

The pair have pleaded not guilty to a slew of bushfire fraud and weapons charges.

Stuart Rob Allan and and Rebecca Jane Allan are preparing to fight the charges.

Police have stated that Richmond Police District Rural Crime Prevention Team launched Strike Force Munyana in June, 2020 to investigate alleged fraudulent claims for grant money through a state government scheme.

It is alleged the couple wrongfully attempted to get financial assistance and tried to claim compensation through insurance in 2019.

Police allege Mr Allan claimed he lost more than 3000 head of cattle in the 2019 bushfires.

It’s alleged investigators seized collectable coins, weapons and documentation during a raid on the couple’s East Lismore property.

Items police allege were seized during the raid on the Allan property.

Mr Allan has pleaded not guilty to the following charges: three counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, four counts of failing to comply with mandatory measures, three counts of using false documents to obtain financial advantage, dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and recklessly dealing with crime proceeds over $5000.

He has also pleaded not guilty to possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit, goods suspected to be stolen in premises and possessing an unregistered firearm.

A single charge of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime remains without a plea.

Meanwhile, Mrs Allan has pleaded not guilty to 15 charges of a related nature.

Stuart Rob Allan and Rebecca Jane Allan outside Lismore Local Court.

In court, Magistrate Michael Dakin said the Allans’ hearing appeared ready to move forward after many adjournments.

Defence lawyers Philip Crick and Harry Marrouri sought more time to prepare for the hearing.

Magistrate Michael Dakin was informed the hearing would require a two-week timeslot.

The Allans sat in the gallery listening to their case proceed.

Police prosecutor Brett Gradinsik told the court 47 prosecution witnesses would be called.

The Allans’ bail was continued. They have been ordered to stay in the Lismore/Casino area and report to Lismore Police Station once per week.

The hearing is scheduled to begin in the court on April 11.