Max Davidson, Former NRMA worker allegedly stole from elderly Canberra woman

A former NRMA worker who allegedly stole cash and goods from a “lonely” old woman has faced court.

CANBERRA. Max Davidson leaves the ACT Law Courts after he was granted bail on December 19 2022. Mr Davidson is facing 14 counts of theft and 3 counts of cultivating cannabis. Police allege he defrauded a woman in her 80's in his care. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

A former NRMA worker allegedly fleeced an elderly woman under his care out of $130,000 in cash and goods, a court has heard.

Police allege Flynn man Max Davidson, 65, met the elderly complainant in 2016 when he gave her roadside assistance in the suburb of Hawker.

The woman was 80 at the time and living alone with the Statement of Facts alleging the woman’s church friends described her as “lonely and vulnerable”.

Following the chance meeting Mr Davidson soon became a friend and trusted person for the woman.

Mr Davidson is facing 14 counts of theft and 3 counts of cultivating cannabis. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Police allege in 2017 she gave Mr Davidson $9000 for a dental appointment to fix his dentures and would later give him the keys for her post office box where she received notices from her bank.

According to court documents, the woman would ultimately grant Mr Davidson her power of attorney, she wrote him into her will, and he became her full time carer in July 2018 after leaving his job at NRMA.

Police allege throughout 2018 Mr Davidson withdrew money from the woman’s account and purchased lottery tickets with her money.

The woman suffered a spate of health issues in late 2018 resulting in a number of stints in hospital.

Police allege Mr Davidson defrauded a woman in her 80's in his care. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

While hospitalised in November 2019, police allege hospital staff noticed the woman was distressed about financial issues, after Davidson told her he needed $50,000 to upkeep her house and continue caring for her

According to court documents, the woman was in the process of contacting the Older Person’s Legal Service to revoke Mr Davidson’s power of attorney during her stay in hospital, but was discharged into his care before she could change the arrangement.

The friendship between Davidson and the woman ultimately soured when he allegedly asked her for $500 in December 2018 and instead he withdrew $1000, resulting in the woman’s bank card being cancelled.

Court documents state the woman contacted police about Mr Davidson, stating he had defrauded her out of an estimated $130,000, destroyed her garden and had stolen a vacuum cleaner, a microwave, two recliners, a square glass table, a chainsaw and a collection of family photos.

Police contacted Davidson in May 2021 and asked for an interview, however he did not attend the police station and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On December 18 police searched Davidson’s Flynn residence where they allegedly found missing items reported by the woman and a number of cannabis plants.

Davidson was charged with fourteen counts of theft and three counts of cultivating cannabis plants.

He did not enter any pleas.

On Monday, Magistrate Lisbeth Campbell said the prosecution’s case depicted a “heartbreaking example of elder abuse”.

Prosecutor Elinor Knaggs opposed bail raising concerns Mr Davidson could contact the complainant.

However, Ms Campbell said there was no evidence he and the woman were in contact during the last four years.

She also questioned the length of time between Mr Davidson being before the court and the woman’s original communication with police.

“It’s a bit rich that it takes four years for this matter to go to court, and then there’s a sense of urgency.”

The magistrate ultimately granted Mr Davidson bail, but said if the charges were “fresh” she would have refused his bail.

Mr Davidson cannot contact, threaten, harass, or be within 100 meters of the complainant.

He must report daily to police and cannot enter the suburb the woman resides in.

Mr Davidson will return to court on January 19.