Jai Falzon: Armidale concreter to fight 51 charges of fraud after allegedly rorting bushfire, Covid grants

A 22-year old concreter who allegedly defrauded half a million dollars in bushfire and Covid grants planned on defending himself in court for the 51 charges. See the Magistrate’s response.

Jai Falzon outside Penrith Court, 2021.​

A magistrate has raised serious concern over a man’s choice to defend himself in court, facing over sixty counts of fraud choice to legally represent himself in court.

Jai Falzon, 22, of Armidale appeared to Penrith Local Court on Friday representing himself against 51 charges of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage, to which he is pleading not guilty.

It is alleged in April 2020 Falzon put in 51 different fraudulent applications claiming over half a million dollars in government assistance grants he was not eligible for.

Out of the $530,000 Falzon is alleged to have fraudulently obtained, $470,000 came from Service NSW Small Business Bushfire Support Grants with the remaining $60,000 coming from Covid Assistance payments, according to documents filed in court.

Falzon told the court he was representing himself because he couldn’t afford to have a lawyer for every court appearance as his bail conditions meant he was unable to work.

Jai Falzon outside Penrith Court.

The court heard Falzon was denied legal aid when he applied in December last year but was planning on seeking it closer to his trial.

Magistrate Mary Ryan told Falzon to seek legal advice ‘ASAP’ before proceeding to trial stating.

“I am concerned about doing that when you have never received legal advice about the strength of the crowns case and the appropriateness of your plea.”

“Get some advice, this is very important given the number of charged against you. You need to sort it out” Ms Ryan said.

After Falzon told the magistrate he understood, Ms Ryan responded, “I’m not quite sure that you do. You need legal advice, bottom line is I require you to get legal advice”.

Falzon was due to be arraigned on Friday, but the matter was adjourned so the 22-year old could seek legal advice.

The charges will return to Penrith District Court on December 2.