Adelaide CBD property fraudster Mo Du asks for ‘one last attempt’ amid six-year civil stoush before sentence

A man who a jury found deceived investors while selling them Adelaide CBD properties has pleaded with a judge for one more week before possibly going to jail.

A man has been granted “one last attempt” to resolve six years of civil conflict with the Chinese investors he deceived into overpaying for CBD properties before he learns whether he will go to jail for fraud.

On Tuesday, Chris Kummerow for Mo Du, 35, asked Auxiliary Judge Gordon Barrett to adjourn his client’s sentencing for a week in order to seek restitution with the fraud complainants.

“Mr Mo Du has made an offer (for restitution), that is all he can do,” Mr Kummerow said.

Property fraudster Mo Du leaves the District Court on Tuesday. Picture: Brett Hartwig

“He does not have the funds available to make restitution but the complainants can have their detriments satisfied if they accept this offer.

“They have not accepted the offer, we won’t descend into the details of why, but Mr Mo Du has done all that he can to make sure they are recompensed for their loss.”

Mr Kummerow said if adjourned for a week, Du would be given time to make “one last attempt” to resolve the civil matters “before the very real possibility of being taken into custody”.

But prosecutor Kosmas Lesses said the barristers for the civil complainants had not been made aware of any proposed meetings for the coming week with the liquidator – and a week wouldn’t change things.

“Civil proceedings have been on foot for the better part of five to six years … I don’t want to sound cynical, but it would be surprising for six years of litigation and disputes to be resolved in the next week,” Mr Lesses said.

One of the properties involved in the fraud was the former EG Wigg and Son factory at 79 Port Rd, Thebarton. Pic: Tricia Watkinson

Another property involved, 157 Waymouth St. Picture: Google Street View

“Mr Du, for lack of a better phrase, is really unbeholden to the role and involvement of the liquidators.”

Du was found unanimously guilty by a jury on seven counts and not guilty on two counts of deception. He has now launched an appeal bid.

The court heard Du misrepresented the price of three properties – one at 157 Waymouth St in Adelaide, one at 79 Port Rd, Thebarton and one at 9-11 Dequetteville Tce, Kent Town.

Prosecutors told the court the funds were used by Du for house purchases, expensive motor vehicles, personal expenses and large ATM cash withdrawals.

Judge Barrett allowed the adjournment, but warned Mr Kummerow he would not grant anything further as he was ready to pass sentence.

“I can tell you that I have prepared a draft for the sentencing, leaving a gap for restitution and leaving a gap for the conclusion … I’m ready to go,” His Honour said.

Du was remanded on continuing bail until later this month.

Originally published as Adelaide CBD property fraudster Mo Du asks for ‘one last attempt’ amid six-year civil stoush before sentence