Candy Lee Trudgett: Convicted for multiple fraud offences

A central West cleaner who was “cursed” by drugs and already serving imprisonment in the community has learned her fate in court. Read her sentence below.

Candy Lee Trudgett was sentenced for gaining financial advantage through fraud and driving while disqualified.

A central west cleaner who was already serving imprisonment in the community was further sentenced for going on a shopping spree, buying cigarettes, soft drinks and prepaid credit using someone else’s card.

Candy Lee Trudgett, 46, appeared in Dubbo Local Court on Thursday pleading guilty to five counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and driving while suspended.

On New Year’s Day, Trudgett was stopped by police for a random breath test when they discovered she held a suspended licence.

A few days later, Trudgett used a Mastercard she found at the Macquarie Inn after 10.30pm and purchased an online prepaid phone credit valuing $10, a McDonald’s feed worth $68.40, two packs of P&S Blue Parker and Simpson cigarettes, two bottles of soft drinks, four cans of V energy drinks, chewing gum and additional phone credit.

The next morning, the victim received text messages from Commonwealth Bank stating several transactions were made using his card.

Police facts tendered to the court state the victim reviewed his online banking and noticed eight separate transactions were made at multiple Dubbo locations on his account.

The victim provided the police with a two-page statement detailing the use of his Mastercard in February.

Trudgett was arrested in March at the Australian Heritage Motor Inn.

Her solicitor Naadirah Sathar described the matter on the “lower end of objective seriousness” and “not sophisticated”.

“She has expressed remorse,” she said.

Candy Lee Trudgett received her sentence for gaining financial advantage through fraud and driving while disqualified.

Ms Sathar said her client grew up in Dubbo, finishing both high school and university, who is the “sole carer” for her three children.

“Her partner introduced her to drugs - she is currently a single mother,” she said.

“She is looking at getting a mental health plan … she is diagnosed with anxiety and depression.”

Magistrate Gary Wilson said Trudgett had received multiple Intensive Correction Orders in the past.

Talking to Trudgett, Magistrate Wilson said, “you and I have been in this position many times before”.

“You’re an intelligent woman - I know that for a fact,” he said.

“Drugs were the curse, unfortunately.

“Whether I’m right or wrong, is how that term of imprisonment should be served.

“There are some positive comments in the assessment report and positive things in which you are trying to achieve.”

Magistrate Wilson sentenced Trudgett to 12 months of imprisonment to be served in the community expiring on May 3, 2024, 150 hours of community service and disqualified her licence for three months.