Disgraced accountant Des Fong will likely be released early next year to be reunited with disabled son

DISGRACED accountant and convicted fraudster Des Fong could be out of jail in just over a year due to the ‘extreme hardship’ his severely disabled son will suffer in his absence

Darwin accountant Des Fong has been sentenced to four years and six months in jail

DISGRACED accountant and convicted fraudster Des Fong could be out of jail in just over a year due to the “extreme hardship” his severely disabled son will suffer in his absence.

Fong was sentenced in the Supreme Court on Thursday to four years and six months in jail — suspended after 18 months served — after pleading guilty to stealing almost $400,000 from one of his clients last year.

The court heard Fong had been engaged as a middle man in the sale of Darwin-based NT Welding to a Perth company for $1.3 million for the purpose of settling tax and other debts.

But Fong nominated his own bank account for the money to be deposited in and then withdrew the stolen cash to pay down his own debts and provide cash for him and his wife.

In sentencing, Justice Stephen Southwood said the offending was a “flagrant breach of trust of a client who the offender knew was in very difficult financial circumstances” and would have been “emotionally devastating” for the victim.

Justice Southwood said while such a serious betrayal would usually attract a lengthy prison sentence and non-parole period, the “truly exceptional” circumstances of his six-year-old son’s disability warranted mercy.

Earlier, the boy’s treating psychologist, Diane Szarkowicz, told the court he was “unable to care for himself in any way” and agreed his prognosis was “bleak” without Fong, with whom he shared a special bond.

Justice Southwood said while the boy’s long-term prospects were unclear, a risk of “permanent deterioration” in the absence of his father could cause “extreme hardship” for his family and should be taken into account by the court.

“The offender’s failure to discharge his duty to them does not extinguish the public interest in the welfare of the offender’s dependants,” he said.

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“The welfare of children is a matter of public interest of the highest importance.”

Justice Southwood said references tendered to the court showed Fong — who volunteered extensively — was previously “a person of good standing in the community” and agreed the offending was out of character.

“He has helped a lot of people and made a positive contribution to the community — he’s in effect let those people down and he’s let his family down in a staggering manner,” he said.

With time served, Fong will be eligible for release in April next year.