Josh Hoch to spend two years in jail for $370k government fraud over illegal charter flights

More charges against a North Queensland pilot who defrauded the government of more than $370K, and his partner, have been revealed.

Josh Hoch.

A pilot’s “love” for aviation led him to rip off the government of more than $370,000 for illegally chartering a group of North Queensland politicians, a court has heard.

Days after North Queensland pilot Josh Hoch, 37, was found guilty by a jury of 13 charges including multiple fraud and aviation offences, a court has heard both he and his partner were facing more charges.

Hoch was on Friday found guilty after a jury trial of 13 charges including one count of fraud to the value of $30,000 or more, one count of general dishonesty, two counts of fraud, four counts of flying without a Civil Aviation Authority, and five counts of offences in relation to aircraft.

In a mention of his other matters, Townsville District Court heard Hoch was also facing two counts of fraud, allegedly arising from Charters Towers and Cloncurry, and a single count of dangerous operation of a vehicle at Sweers Island.

The charges span dates from 2014 to 2016.

Josh Hoch and partner Nichole Ellen Limburg.

Hoch’s partner, Nichole Ellen Limburg, was heard to be facing four charges including, fraud – dishonestly gain benefit/advantage to the value of or over $30,000, general dishonesty, and two counts of fraud.

Commonwealth prosecutor Chris Moore said at this stage there was an indication they would proceed to trial for her matters.

Mr Moore told the court that over four years from 2011 to 2015, Hoch issued 96 invoices for illegally flying members of Katter’s Australian Party, for a total of $370,697.20.

The court was told Hoch had undertaken the flights without holding an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), and while holding a private pilots licence – which meant he could not legally charge for the flights.

Josh Hoch.

One of the flights related to the transportation of ballot materials for the 2015 state election.

It is not alleged the Katters have committed any wrongdoing, with the court hearing Hoch deliberately withheld information that would reveal he was flying without an AOC.

Hoch’s barrister Michael Hibble, submitted it had been his client’s love of aviation that had “blinded” him to what was legally required of him as a pilot.

“ … He deliberately chose not to follow what was required and thus he as committed the fraud,” Mr Hibble said.

It was heard Hoch had been granted an AOC in 2016, after the offences were committed – which Mr Hibble said showed his client’s dedication to operating legally.

It was not alleged Hoch flew dangerously or unsafely.

Mr Hibble said his client had lost his aviation business after he was charged, and was now running his own business as a diesel fitter and turner in Emerald.

Judge Michael Byrne KC sentenced Hoch to five years jail, of which he must serve two years behind bars.

Hoch will be released on November 15, 2024, into a $2000, four-year long good behaviour bond.

Originally published as Josh Hoch to spend two years in jail for $370k government fraud over illegal charter flights