Former Townsville 4WD Centre owner Stuart Menzie jailed for $230k fraud

A former Townsville car salesman had a “fall from grace” after he failed to pay back more than $230,000 in consignment proceeds, leaving customers thousands out of pocket.

A FORMER Townsville car salesman’s “fall from grace” landed him in court after he failed to pay back more than $230,000 in consignment proceeds, leaving customers thousands out of pocket.

In the dock of Townsville District Court on Friday stood Stuart Donald Menzie, the former owner of Townsville 4WD Centre, where he pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud.

Stuart Donald Menzie, former owner of Townsville 4WD Centre, was sentenced to four years jail, after failing to pay back owners the proceeds of cars sold on consignment to the value of $235k.

Crown Prosecutor Shannon Sutherland said that between July 31 and September 30, 2019, Menzie acquired 10 cars on consignment and sold them off, but did not pay back the proceeds of the sales.

Four people fell victim to the fraud, with the total amount unpaid coming to $235,270.

The most serious charge involved an amount of $151,500.

Menzie would review ads, contact vehicle owners, and have the car’s registration transferred to him before selling it on.

Ms Sutherland said that prior to Menzie’s arrest, he told one of the victims the “cars were sold and (he) was f---ed”.

At 71 years old, the offending was Menzie’s first, in a life otherwise lived walking on the straight and narrow, with the court hearing he had no criminal history.

Ms Sutherland said $175k had since been paid through insurance for two of the victims.

Defence barrister Claire Grant described Menzie’s offending as a “significant fall from grace”, but that the crime could be described as “robbing Peter to pay Paul”.

Ms Grant said Menzie had been experiencing struggles with his business after the floods, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a divorce.

“This is not a case of deliberate dishonesty … but an example of a foolish decision made while under pressure …,” Ms Grant said.

Judge John Coker acknowledged Menzie’s remorse, and references from family and friends.

Menzie was sentenced to four years jail, to be wholly suspended after serving 10 months.

A parole release date was set for December 24, 2022, with 77 days presentence custody declared as time served.

Originally published as Former Townsville 4WD Centre owner Stuart Menzie jailed for $230k fraud