Kimberley Alice Smith’s fraud sentencing delayed after Covid diagnosis

The sentencing of a South Burnett woman facing multiple fraud charges, including one of $30,000 to $100,000, has been put off after the woman contracted Covid.

Kingaroy Court Fraud.

The sentencing of a woman facing multiple fraud charges, including one of up to $100,000, was delayed due to Covid in the Kingaroy court on Monday.

Kimberley Alice Smith, 37, is charged with six counts of fraud, one count of fraud valued between $30,000 and $100,000, one count of fraud by obtaining property, three counts of fraudulently producing or using a false record, and one count of stealing property exceeding $5000.

Ms Smith, who appeared via telephone, was due to be sentenced in the Kingaroy District Court but said she was unable to attend, leading to rescheduling of the case.

“The sentence can’t proceed because she has provided documentation to the court that she’s tested positive for Covid,” Judge Vicki Loury KC said.

It is believed her alleged crimes occurred outside of the South Burnett, though she now resides in Murgon.

The sentencing of a woman facing multiple fraud charges, including one of up to $100,000, was delayed due to Covid in the Kingaroy court on Monday. File Photo.

During Monday’s hearing, Ms Smith’s solicitor, Prim Laurentiussen from J. A. Carroll Solicitors, sought to withdraw from the case, citing “a lack of funds and instructions” from Ms Smith.

However, Ms Smith contested, stating her intent to pay the firm.

“I paid the firm what they asked,” she said.

“For Mark (Werner) to appear for me for the call-over and Mark’s legal fees. I paid them immediately after the last court appearance,” Ms Smith said.

“I have not paid the barrister because I thought that I would pay the victim before I pay the barrister.”

Judge Loury denied the request for withdrawal, noting Ms Smith’s previous payments to the firm and her “willingness” to continue paying for their services.

The court heard Ms Smith had repaid one of her victims, Tiaro Machinery, and had $1800 outstanding for another victim, which she indicated she would like to pay before her sentencing.

Delta Panels was also listed as a victim in court records.

Judge Loury adjourned Ms Smith’s sentencing to August 19 in the Kingaroy District Court, where she is required to appear in person.

Originally published as Kimberley Alice Smith’s fraud sentencing delayed after Covid diagnosis