Artist Kelly Flanagan guilty of insurance fraud over burnt-put pink Hummer

An artist who torched her distinctive pink Hummer and claimed $30,000 in insurance has escaped immediate jail despite the 'calculated' crime.

Artist Kelly Flanagan pleaded guilty to fraud over an insurance claim relating to a burnt-out pink Hummer. Picture: artworkbyaalayah/Instagram

A Melbourne artist has walked from court after receiving a suspended jail sentence for attempting to commit insurance fraud after torching her pink H3 Hummer.

Kelly Marie Margreot Roma Flanagan faced one count of attempted fraud over $30,000 in Ipswich District Court on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge. A charge of arson was dropped by the prosecution.

The court heard Flanagan bought a pink H3 Hummer with her then-husband in 2009 with just under $50,000 and took out insurance on it. The husband is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Crown prosecutor Connor Lovett said Flanagan was planning to get rid of the car as the marriage fell apart.

He said Flanagan drove the car west of Brisbane past Gatton and set it on fire in May 2011, before falsely claiming it was stolen from her friend’s driveway, lying to an insurance investigator in an interview days later.

The court heard that the Hummer was significantly damaged by the fire.

Defence barrister Kim Bryson said Flanagan was a gifted artist who grew up in the care of her parents, but that she had started using drugs.

Judge Anthony Rafter sentenced her to 15 months’ jail, wholly suspended for two years.

A conviction was recorded.

She refused to comment as she was leaving the courthouse.

Flanagan is a Melbourne-based painter who has been speaking out publicly in the media and in rallies to advocate for women’s rights in prison.

Originally published as Artist Kelly Flanagan guilty of insurance fraud over burnt-put pink Hummer