Dirtbag Melbourne scoundrel Stuart Bronson pleads guilty to ripping off Ararat dad Billy Bell

A greedy conman who rorted an Ararat dad dying of cancer is now a wanted fugitive after he pulled a court disappearing act.

Ararat dad Billy Bell passed away from pancreatic cancer after he was ripped off by fraudster Stuart Bronson.

A greedy conman who denied a dying father his final wish after fleecing the now deceased victim out of almost $12,000 via a bogus car deal is on the run

Stuart Bronson, 60, was scheduled to front the County Court on Thursday but a warrant was issued for his arrest after the conman was a no show.

Bronson, who had pleaded guilty to obtaining property by deception at an earlier hearing, grifted popular Ararat dad Billy Bell after placing an ad for a black 2013 Ford Falcon on carsales.com.

Mr Bell, who was dying of pancreatic cancer at the time, responded to Bronson’s ad in August 2020.

Mr Bell, who wanted to buy his younger son Patrick a car as a “parting gift”, transferred $11,749 to Bronson for the vehicle on August 25.

Bronson, who referred to himself as ‘Charles’ in text messages, withdrew the cash from a Watergardens bank the same day.

Mr Bell messaged Bronson the next day to check if he received the money but the lying conman told him he hadn’t.

Bronson eventually confirmed he had received the money and promised he would have the Falcon delivered from Melton to Mr Bell’s home town of Ararat.

However, Bronson claimed he could not have the car delivered for another two days.

Mr Bell’s family, who became “wary of the transaction”, felt Bronson was trying to “deceive” their dad.

Stuart Bronson

Mr Bell, a talented musician and popular local who backed his son’s footy club, asked Bronson to transfer the money back but heard nothing back.

The dying father also offered to hand over a bank cheque upon delivery of the car.

Mr Bell attempted to contact Bronson multiple times but never got a reply nor the car as promised as a final gift to his son.

Mr Bell’s other son Leo reported the transaction to police on September 3, 2020.

Sadly, Mr Bell passed away of pancreatic cancer aged 57 on September 11.

The much-loved family man was never able to see his son receive the car.

Police linked the heartless conman to a little Collins St apartment via the Falcon which was registered under Bronson’s de facto partner at the time.

Investigators discovered the apartment was a “virtual address” to receive mail only.

Police tracked Bronson to a Sydenham unit and arrested the fraudster.

Bronson’s first plea hearing was last month adjourned after he declined to admit his prior criminal history.

Judge Gerard Mullaly told Bronson several times to stop speaking over him during last month’s brief but heated hearing.

Bronson, self-represented, often interrupted Judge Mullaly.

“Just one second,” Bronson said right off the top of the hearing.

“Just don’t answer … just don’t interrupt a thing I’m speaking to (the prosecutor),” Judge Mullaly said.

“I’m just asking about the note,” Bronson replied.

“Just don’t speak,” Judge Mullaly said.

“Are you just going to bully me all day are you,” Bronson spat back.

“I’m not going to be interrupted by you … you do not control how this proceeding goes … don’t interrupt Mr Bronson.”

“I’m not Mr Bronson as you well know,” Bronson said.

Mr Bell was a talented musician.

The hearing lasted another minute before Bronson recommenced his disrespectful tone with Judge Mullaly.

“I ask you again (Mr Bronson) do you admit those prior convictions,” Judge Mullaly asked.

“Well I’m not sure if I can speak without you talking over me …,” Bronson said.

“Just answer the question,” Judge Mullaly roared back.

“There’s no need to be smart Mr Bronson, you’re an intelligent man answer properly … again do you admit the prior convictions.”

“Again are you rolling over the top of me every time I ask a question … is that what you’re going to do … have you made a judicial determination that, A, I’m not allowed to defend myself … are you going to answer my question your honour,” Bronson said.

“Not at all, not at all,” Judge Mullaly said.

“The matter will be returned (on November 3) when the prosecution will prove the prior convictions …”

“You’re the trustee and as my trustee I’m instructing you to discard this entire matter,” Bronson said.

“I’m not going to listen to this nonsense,” Judge Mullaly responded.

“I object, I object … put it on the record that I object … I withdraw my guilty plea, we are now going with not guilty due to your constant harassment and bullying,” Bronson said.

“We’ll see you (at the next court date),” Judge Mullaly said.

The prosecution have sought Bronson repay $11,749 to Mr Bell’s family.

Judge Mullaly ordered a warrant for Bronson’s arrest after he failed to appear in person.

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