Olivia Emily Jayne Ward told fraud victims of cancer diagnosis

A former Gold Coast woman who defrauded thousands of dollars told some of her victims that she was suffering from cancer, as she pleaded guilty to several fraud and other charges in court today.

A woman who has pleaded guilty to defrauding thousands of dollars has been chased from court by bystanders and victims crying, “Shame!”.

Olivia Emily Jayne Ward, 27, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday for the first time since being charged.

She pleaded guilty to three charges of fraud and one each of forgery and uttering, and uttering a false document.

Ward was working at the Amaze after-hours childcare centre at Mudgeeraba when she told people of her cancer diagnosis.

She went on to defraud an alleged several thousand dollars between February and December – including a sum donated at a community fundraiser set up specifically for Ward last October.

The court was told Ward also forged a letter from the Metro North Hospital and Health Service.

Ward tried to have her case finalised on Monday, saying she “(would) rather get this matter over with”, but was told it would need to be set down for a lengthier plea.

She is due to be sentenced on July 17.

Olivia Emily Jayne Ward (right) leaving the Southport courthouse. Picture: Jessica Paul

Ward covered her face with large sunglasses and a mask as she left the Southport courthouse, refusing to answer reporters’ questions.

Members of the public – including one of Ward’s victims, Gold Coast entertainer Chadd Small – heckled Ward as she walked quickly to her car, calling out “Shame! You should be ashamed of yourself, Olivia!”

Mr Small said he knew Ward through performing at the childcare centre, and after one day noticing she looked “quite sick”, was told she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Gold Coast entertainer Chadd Small says he donated $2500 to Olivia Emily Jayne Ward after he was told of her cancer diagnosis. Picture: Jessica Paul

Mr Small claimed he not only hosted and helped organise the fundraiser for Ward, but donated $2500 directly into her bank account. That money had been raised for the Vicki’s Love project, a charity to support people with cancer that was started by Mr Small after his sister lost her own battle with the illness.

“I raised enough funds to be able to help other people who had an end-of-life journey,” Mr Small said outside of court.

“So far as I was aware, she was a very sick individual – and as it turns out she is.”

Unsure whether he or any of Ward’s other victims would be repaid, Mr Small said she had at least “finally told the truth”.

“I just hope that she pays the price and I hope she feels ashamed because the only real penalty these days is public shaming,” he said.

“I think by looking at her in the courtroom today, I think she knows what she’s done is wrong, but now you’ve just got to face the consequences.”