Bushfire fraudster Kelly Percy conspired to steal from Dalmeny friend
A convicted fraudster who stole thousands of dollars from bushfire relief schemes front court again after conspiring to rob an acquaintance of cash and jewels.
The South Coast News
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A woman convicted of defrauding bushfire and Covid relief schemes conspired to help rob an acquaintance of thousands of dollars in cash.
Instead, her co-conspirators made off with a mother’s cherished jewels, including jade rings and pearls.
Kelly Anne Percy, 39, pleaded guilty at Nowra District Court on Friday to conspiracy to commit an indictable offence following an investigation by Strike Force Stanley, during which south coast police intercepted phone calls and texts between Percy and two co-accused.
Court documents detail how police intercepted a conversation between Percy and the two men, Deon Mason and Dane Terare, on August 30, 2021.
During the conversation, Percy discussed the fact a mutual acquaintance had “$10,000 on him”.
Terare then messaged Kelly asking where the man lived, adding: “Me and a couple boys (will) go do his house over”.
Arrangements were made for Percy to take the victim to a church, but once at the man’s home she messaged Terare and asked whether she should just take the money.
In response, Terare asked, “why what ya going to do?”, and told her to send the GPS location instead.
“I got a few things to do,” Terare messaged to Percy.
“Go for gold jewellery and that type of shit.
“Leave the cash unless u can get it easy. Tomorrow be a better day to (go) crack his skull.”
Shortly after, Terare provided Mason with the address of the house.
Mason ordered Terare to confirm with Percy who would be home and if there was an alarm.
Through Terare, he ordered Percy to leave a window or door unlocked, and to determine the exact location of the cash.
Soon after, Mason messaged Terare that he was “leaving right now”, but the plan did not eventuate as Percy remained at the home.
Instead, the trio decided Percy would tell the acquaintance she needed to go buy drugs.
Mason arranged for the pair to meet him at the Dalmeny boat ramp, messaging Percy: “Don’t f--k this up Kelly.
“I f---ing hope he hits u in the head making him wait ages.”
About 9pm, Percy called Mason and told him the acquaintance had left the money at the house. Mason then agreed to go to the house.
“Between 9.10-9.14pm, Percy and Mason exchange a number of messages about the location of the money,” police state.
“They include: ‘It’s in the laundry in a suitcase I’m pretty sure.’”
Unable to find the money, Mason instead takes two jade rings and a string of pearls with matching earrings belonging to the man’s mother.
About 10.30pm, he messages Percy and Mason, telling the pair the endeavour was a waste of time.
“I’ll f--kn axe you c--ts with the dog,” he said.
Terare later messaged Mason: “She’s a f---ing dumb c--t.”
Upon learning of the robbery, the victim messaged Percy, saying: “It seems a bit coincidental we leave … I’m not accusing (you), but it ain’t hard to work out.
“I may look dumb and chicks are the best bait for that style of sell out.”
Following the robbery, police arrested Mason and Terare on September 9. Percy was apprehended later on November 25.
During sentencing on Friday, Judge Julia Baly told Percy the trio’s plan was “unsophisticated” and hastily planned.
While Percy did not participate in the robbery, she agreed with submissions from police prosecutors that each of the three had a role to play.
“Percy instigated the offence,” she said.
“Terare made the arrangements and Mason was the person who attended the house.
“Whilst the roles were different, each of the offenders is equally culpable.”
In 2020, Percy was convicted of defrauding bushfire relief schemes.
Following an 18-month jail sentence, she was released on parole which was due to expire in March 2022.
After re-entering custody, Percy underwent drug and psychological treatment following years of methamphetamine use.
Judge Baly concluded Percy had good prospects for rehabilitation.
Percy was sentenced to three years in jail, with a non-parole period of 21-months.
Similarly, Terare was sentenced to three years jail, with the same non-parole period.
Mason, who was also on parole at the time of the robbery, was sentenced three years and six months in prison.
He will serve a non-parole period of two years and two months.
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