‘Resolution’ sought in case of accused Tennant Creek fraudster Deborah Cain

The long running legal battle for a Tennant Creek woman accused of faking her documents to get six-figure paying gigs could be coming to an end, a court has heard. Find out why.

Alice Springs Local Court. Picture: Gera Kazakov

A years-long legal battle could be coming to an end for one Tennant Creek woman – if a proposed ‘resolution’ is agreed to.

Deborah Cain, 62, a former senior citizen of the year in Tennant Creek, has spent almost two years fighting charges of forgery, obtaining a benefit by deception, and knowingly uttering a forged document.

But at her latest hearing in the Alice Springs Local Court hints were dropped that the end may be near.

Talking to Judge Sarah McNamara, Ms Cain’s defence lawyer Simon Lapinski sought another adjournment for her matter.

Tennant Creek's Deborah Cain is accused of falsifying her working with children checks.

He cited his need to discuss a potential “resolution” proposed by the prosecution with his client as the reasoning behind the request.

No details of the “resolution” were given in court.

They were, however, a result of “long and protracted negotiations” between both parties, Mr Lapinski said.

The “resolution” was proposed on February 18, Mr Lapinski said.

Ms Cain is accused of falsifying her working with children checks and national police history to obtain lucrative six-figure-paying work, the statement of facts in the case allege.

She was previously an employee of Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation, however, she is no longer in the role, the organisation confirmed to this masthead last year.

In 2023, Ms Cain was awarded senior citizen of the year in Tennant Creek by the Barkly Regional Council Australia Day celebrations.

She was charged by NT Police the same year, who arrested at the town’s post office, the statement of facts said.

Ms Cain is on bail and was not present at the latest hearing.

Judge McNamara kept her bail and adjourned her matter to March 20.

Originally published as ‘Resolution’ sought in case of accused Tennant Creek fraudster Deborah Cain