McLaren’s Landing operator Jason Allan Nicholls alleged to have used Christmas party deposit money for personal expenses
Police will allege the operator of McLaren’s Landing, who is facing five fraud charges, used money intended for Christmas parties for a range of personal expenses.
Crime and Court
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THE director of the Gold Coast’s McLaren’s Landing allegedly used thousands of dollars from Christmas party deposits to fund a gambling habit or to give to his partner.
When the parties at the popular function venue did not go ahead, dozens were left stranded, it is alleged.
Jason Allan Nicholls is also accused of using a business’s credit card details to pay for helicopter tours, for removalists to help him move home, to pay legal fees and to stay in a Surfers Paradise resort.
Nicholls, the director of McLaren’s Landing and Tallships Island Adventures, was on crutches when he faced Southport Magistrates Court today for five charges including two counts of fraud over $30,000 and three counts of fraud.
The charges, which the Bulletin understands he intends to fight, all relate to Christmas parties organised by companies late last year and early this year.
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Companies affected include Lloyds Auctioneers, Oracle Building Corporation, Kintetsu International Express and ID Event Australia.
Nicholls had allegedly promised the companies he would transport party goers to McLaren’s Landing by boat where they would be provided food, alcohol and entertainment.
Days before the Lloyds Auctioneers Christmas party on December 8, the company contacted Nicholls who told them they had no reason to be concerned, it is alleged.
Lloyds had allegedly paid numerous deposits for a party.
Nicholls allegedly had not made a single payment to arrange a party and the money was transferred to his gambling account with Beteasy or his partner’s personal bank account.
Lloyds allegedly made one of their payments for the party by giving their company credit card details over the phone.
Nicholls is accused of using the credit card details to pay personal legal fees, move home, stay in a Surfers Paradise resort and go on numerous helicopter tours.
It is alleged Oracle Building Corporation paid more than $20,000 for its Christmas party on December 14. When staff arrived for the party there was no boat to greet them.
It is alleged the staff member from Oracle Building Corporation called Nicholls who claimed he was trying to get ahold of them before hanging up. The staff member later received a call from a Lisa who said taxis were being arranged for them.
Police allege no money was paid back to Oracle Building Corporation for the party.
Kintetsu International Express organised two parties at McLaren’s Landing to be held in late January this year.
It is alleged a dispute broke out over an unpaid alcohol bill and the second party was cancelled.
Nicholls allegedly did not return any of the money paid for the second party.
ID Events also arranged a party with McLarens Landing but allegedly cancelled the party and no money was refunded.
Police allege Nicholls used the money for personal use and not to arrange the event.
In court, Nicholls’ lawyer Farshad Sarabi, of Hannay Lawyers, asked for the matter to be adjourned for four weeks.
Magistrate Pamela Dowse adjourned the matter to September 3.
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