Alleged pool scammer Brad Murray Evans applies for bail

A man who allegedly swindled more than $200,000 out of unsuspecting customers hoping to purchase new pools has pleaded for his freedom saying time behind bars is “difficult”.

Brad Murray Evans allegedly scammed $255,000 from customers of a pool business. Picture: File

A man who allegedly swindled more than $200,000 out of unsuspecting customers hoping to purchase new pools has again pleaded for his freedom.

Brad Murray Evans, 32, who is accused of defrauding $255,000 applied for bail in Maroochydore District Court on Friday after he was charged with fraud, dishonestly gain benefit or advantage value of at least $100,000.

Police will allege Evans failed to deliver on his promise to build new pools between August 27, 2019 and February 11, 2021.

Mr Evans, who ran for Division 9 in Bundaberg Regional Council’s 2016 election, said he had intentions of pleading guilty and a sentence date was set for February 7, 2022.

Crown prosecutor Greg Cummings said police will allege the amount of defrauded funds had risen to $255,000.

Barrister David Crews told the court if granted bail Mr Evans could attend counselling for trauma, gambling and alcohol addiction and have the opportunity of employment.

He said phycologist and psychiatrist reports could also be completed and later used in his sentence.

“My client makes the application in anticipation to be able to provide further mitigating material,” he said.

Mr Crews said it was hard to have the reports finalised while Mr Evans was in custody.

“It’s difficult to a start seeking treatment at this time being on remand and secondly to obtain any formal diagnosis if one exists,” Mr Crews said.

The court heard Mr Evan’s first bail application was refused in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on March 17 on the basis that he was a risk of committing more offences.

Brad Murray Evans is accused of fraud. Picture: File

Mr Crews said Mr Evans was still willing to wear a tracker and a $20,000 assurity was on the table that would ensure he didn’t reoffend while on bail.

He also said Mr Evans’ time in custody was difficult.

“He has spent most of the time sleeping on the floor as the cell has three people rather than two in it,” he said.

Mr Cummings said Mr Evans had already offered the tracker and assurity as bail conditions, when his application was originally refused.

“All of the issues raised such as the assurity, somewhere to live and offer of employment were matters advanced at the time of the initial refusal of bail,” he said.

Mr Cummings said Mr Evans hadn’t served too much time in prison.

“He would have served a little over 10 months by the time of the sentence hearing which in my submission is less than the bottom of any sentence …,” he said.

Mr Cummings said there had been more than enough time for a diagnosis and recommendations to be made.

He also said the 32-year-old originally swore he would contest the matters.

Brad Murray Evans allegedly scammed $255,000 from customers of a pool business. Picture: File

Judge Glen Cash said he understood it was harder to arrange a phycologist and psychiatrist report for someone in custody, but said it was possible.

“The fact that it might be more difficult doesn’t seem to me to be something deserving of significant weight,” he said.

Mr Cash said Mr Evans was an unacceptable risk and denied his bail application.

Originally published as Alleged pool scammer Brad Murray Evans applies for bail