Scott Hines: Mildura ’consultant’ to face County Court over $360K alleged fraud

A Mildura “employed consultant” who allegedly fleeced $360,000 from an innocent woman will face the County Court.

A Mildura man has been accused of obtaining money by deception. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

A Mildura “employed consultant” accused of spending a six figure sum that wasn’t his – covering trips to Bunnings and bills – will face the County Court.

Scott Hines, 41, told Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday July 20 he would “reserve” his plea on 39 charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

The charges range from July 2011 to February 2018 and allege Hines used an ANZ term deposit and debit card he was purporting to be an authorised representative of.

Alleged withdrawals, debit card transactions and payments totalled $363,493.92.

The first charge alleged Hines, at Swan Hill in July 2011, withdrew $100,000 from an ANZ account while purporting to manage the term deposit for the benefit of his alleged victim.

In the second charge, it is alleged in October of that year Hines withdrew $230,000 at Mildura.

The third charge alleged Hines made $10,701.08 worth of payments in 217 approved transactions at Bunnings using the woman’s debit card between December 2016 and February 2018.

The fourth charge alleged Hines made $8117.97 worth of debit card transactions at several retailers in Mildura and other places during the same period.

First Choice Liquor, Dan Murphy’s, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Coles, Chemist Warehouse, Hungry Jack’s and McDonald’s were among the alleged locations.

Other charges included allegations Hines paid for Mildura Rural City Council rates and utilities bills for his private residence using an account number belonging to the woman.

The charges were laid by Victoria’s Fraud and Extortion Squad.

At an earlier hearing, Magistrate Michael Coghlan asked what the nature of the relationship between Hines and his alleged victim was.

Hines’ then-lawyer initially said Hines was a “financial adviser”, although she clarified that he was instead an “employed consultant”.

When Hines appeared on Tuesday, he was self-represented after unsuccessfully seeking an adjournment so he could seek new solicitors.

Mr Coghlan said the matter had already been adjourned previously.

Instead the matter was handed up to be heard by the Mildura County Court on September 7.

Asked for a plea, Hines responded: “I reserve my plea at this time.”

Hines’ bail was extended.

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