Andrew Kenneth Eustice waits sentencing for alleged fraud ‘cooped up like a chook’

A boat salesman accused of being involved in dodgy dealings with luxury yachts has told a court he has been “cooped up like a chook” after his bail was revoked last week.

A boat salesman accused of being involved in dodgy dealings with luxury yachts has told a court he has been “cooped up like a chook” after his bail was revoked last week.

Andrew Kenneth Eustice has been charged with 12 counts of fraud for allegedly taking deposits for luxury boats, while working for Platinum Boat Sales, which the buyers never received.

It is alleged he made up to $1m out of the scheme.

Eustice pleaded guilty to the charges in the Southport District Court in October last year but the case was adjourned so a psychological report could be prepared.

He was scheduled to be sentenced last week but it was adjourned so he could get legal advice.

His bail was revoked on that day as well.

Andrew Kenneth Eustice outside Southport Courthouse in September 2019. Picture: Luke Mortimer

On Thursday, Eustice appeared via videolink in Southport District Court to provide an update if he had applied for Legal Aid.

He told the court he had been in the watchhouse and did not arrive at the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre until Monday.

Eustice said he had been in lockdown since that time due to the coronavirus restrictions.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone,” he said. “I’ve been cooped up like a chook.”

Eustice told the court he had been given an overdose of his medication in the watchhouse. He also said he was now wheelchair bound.

The videolink only showed Eustice from his chest up.

Judge Michael Williamson adjourned the matter until April 28.

He warned Eustice to act quickly to get legal advice.

March 31: Luxury boat salesman allegedly racked up $1m from dodgy deals

A boat salesman accused of defrauding multiple people in dodgy dealings with luxury yachts has had his sentencing delayed yet again.

Andrew Kenneth Eustice has been charged with 12 counts of fraud for allegedly taking deposits for luxury boats, while working for Platinum Boat Sales, which the buyers never received.

It is alleged he made up to $1m out of the scheme.

Andrew Eustice being driven into the Southport Watchhouse by police in 2018. Picture: Jerad Williams

Eustice pleaded guilty to the charges in the Southport District Court in October last year but the case was adjourned so a psychological report could be prepared.

He was scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday and arrived at court with no lawyers.

The court was told Eustice disagreed with some of the facts the Crown was to rely on.

Crown prosecutor Stephanie Gallagher asked for the matter to be adjourned so the facts could be agreed. She also asked for Eustice’s bail to be revoked.

Alleged boat fraudster Andrew Eustice leaves Southport Magistrates Court in August 2018. Picture: Lea Emery

She told the court Eustice was accused of breaching bail on March 24 when he was found living outside of the home on his bail documents.

Eustice said: “Currently we have spent over $80,000 with solicitors.

“I have applied for Legal Aid and there are 15 or 16 questions to answer. I’m not a flight risk.”

Judge Geraldine Dann revoked bail, saying Eustice could continue his legal application while in custody.

The matter will return to court on April 7.