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Scoundrel Melbourne lawyer Phillip Spark dies after pleading guilty to $6.2 million fraud theft racket

Victims of a dicey Melbourne lawyer who stole $6.2 million before fleeing to sunny Queensland were left hanging after the man died.

Deceased scoundrel Phillip Spark was living in Surfers Paradise at the time of his death.
Deceased scoundrel Phillip Spark was living in Surfers Paradise at the time of his death.

A scoundrel Melbourne lawyer living the high-life in Surfers Paradise after stealing almost $6.2m has died before he was due to face the music.

Phillip Spark, 71, was scheduled to front the County Court on Friday after pleading guilty to multiple theft and obtain financial advantage by deception charges.

However, the hearing was delayed for hours until the prosecution told the court Spark was dead.

“This was meant to proceed by way of sentencing, but that can no longer take place,” the prosecution submitted.

“Mr Spark is now deceased.”

Spark, who was a partner at a northeast Melbourne law firm, initially denied the allegations before pleading guilty at a sentencing indication on July 8 this year.

Spark, who was originally charged with over 170 offences, pleaded guilty to 25 charges including multiple rolled-up theft and obtain financial advantage charges

The con artist provided clients with predated cheques knowing banks wouldn’t honour them. Spark also deferred debts by telling victims his account had money when it didn’t and stealing cheques.

Spark fleeced almost $6.2 million from victims across Melbourne including at Rye, Eltham, Rosebud, Sunshine North, South Yarra and Doncaster.

The late scoundrel also duped a mark out of a Hawthorn land title.

Judge Amanda Chambers said the news of Spark’s death was “difficult” for various reasons.

“This is difficult news for many people, for many different reasons,” she said.

“I want to thank you (the victims) for taking the time to prepare those victim impact statements, and I appreciate this is difficult news for each of you.”

It’s understood Spark had been living at Surfers Paradise in Queensland since 2011.

Spark who had been on bail, was due to face today’s hearing via internet videolink.

The case was adjourned in order for the crown to begin the process of discharging the matter.

alice.barker@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/melbourne-city/scoundrel-melbourne-lawyer-phillip-spark-dies-after-pleading-guilty-to-62-million-fraud-theft-racket/news-story/d9494bcff35e495f256b65244fd93726