Ryan Goody pleads guilty to fraudulently using Blackflag Brewing’s company card

A disgruntled former Sunshine Coast brewery employee was “motivated by greed” when he used the business’ credit card to rack up a huge bill after he left its employment, a court has heard.

Ryan Paul Goody leaving Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Turner

A former Sunshine Coast brewery sales rep has been told two wrongs don’t make a right after he fraudulently used the business’ credit card over an alleged debt owed to him.

Magistrate Rod Madsen said in court on Wednesday that Ryan Paul Goody was “motivated by greed” after he swindled more than $5000 from his former employer Blackflag Brewing, in what he described as the Buderim man’s own “self help remedy” over claims he was allegedly owed commissions.

Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard the former “Sales Beer Dude” for the popular craft beer business, as described on his LinkedIn, left their employment last year however continued to use their credit card from August 1, 2023 to June 5, 2024.

Goody after his sentence. Picture: Sam Turner

Police prosecutor Tara Miles said the total amount which he racked up was $5195.53 from locations at Palmview, Coolum Beach and Sippy Downs.

Senior Constable said the card was used as part of his work at the brewery, however it was not returned.

Blackflag Brewing, known for creating their own tasty craft beers, lagers and ales, runs two venues at Mooloolaba and Coolum Beach, but their beer is sold in bottle shops nationally.

Defence lawyer Rosalie McFarland said the fraud was in the backdrop of a commercial dispute between Goody and Blackflag Brewing, where the Buderim man believed he was allegedly owed unpaid commissions.

Ms McFarland said Goody took his former employer to the Fair Work Commission however they determined they could not assist as it did not fit within their scope.

Goody’s solicitor conceded the former craft beer salesman exercised extremely poor judgement and was inevitably going to be caught.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of dishonestly applying the brewery’s credit card for his own use. Picture: Sam Turner

She told the court he expressed remorse and wanted to repay the money as far back as September 18.

The court heard the 45-year-old, a married and expecting father, worked with various brewing companies in sales, which included some in Brisbane.

Mr Madsen said upon reading the facts, Goody was detected after he spent $1000 on the credit card on May 27, about nine months after he ceased working for the brewery.

The magistrate said the sales rep even used the card fraudulently to make his application to the Fair Work Commission.

“Two wrongs never remedy the situation,” Mr Madsen said.

Goody pleaded guilty to fraud and was fined $1500. He was also ordered to pay back the full amount of restitution.

Mr Madsen recorded a conviction against the sales rep.

Blackflag Brewing declined to comment when contacted by this publication.

Originally published as Ryan Goody pleads guilty to fraudulently using Blackflag Brewing’s company card