Alleged puppy scam: Blake Morris faces court on fraud charges

A man who police allege stole money from several people around the country using fake ads advertising a puppy online has faced court.

Blake Morris was arrested at his Oxley Park home on Wednesday morning over an alleged scam involving fake online ads for puppies. Picture: NSW Police

A man who police allege ran a scam involving fake ads for puppies on several trading websites was on bail for a string of similar charges dating back to May, a court heard.

Blake Paul Morris, 27, of Oxley Park, is facing eight charges of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and eight charges of using a false document to obtain financial advantage.

Police allege Morris created a fake ad for a blue Staffordshire terrier puppy that was posted online to two trading websites.

They allege Morris received payment for the puppy from people all over the country, but cut contact with them after receiving the money.

Blake Morris is taken into St Marys police station following his arrest on Wednesday morning. Picture: NSW Police

He was arrested at his Oxley Park home yesterday morning after a thorough police investigation and taken to St Marys police station where he was later charged with the offences before the court.

During a bail hearing before Magistrate Brian van Zuylen at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, Morris’ lawyer told the court he should be released from custody as he has a cyst on his brain that requires an MRI every six months.

He said Morris could live at an Oxley Park address with his mother, report to police daily, and promise not to access the internet during bail.

Blake Morris was denied bail during an application at Penrith Local Court on Thursday.

He also said Morris intended to plead not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution opposed bail, saying they had a strong case against Morris with “several victims”.

Magistrate van Zuylen refused bail, pointing to the fact that Morris was already on bail for similar charges, and that his bail included a condition to not access the internet.

“The court notes these alleged offences involve the use of the internet, and he was placed on bail on May 18 to not use the internet,” he said.

“Given that it’s an alleged fragrant breach of strict bail conditions … in the court’s view cause has not been shown for release, bail is refused.”

Morris will next appear in Penrith Local Court on October 1.