Jacob Robert Henley facing fraud counts of more than $100,000

A 37-year-old former gym owner was initially charged with fraud to more than $100,000 almost four years ago. He will now face a court hearing.

After almost four years since being charged, a former gym owner accused of fraud to more than $100,000 has had the matter set down for committal hearing.

Jacob Robert Henley, 37, was not required to be in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday when his case was mentioned but was represented by his solicitor Nathan Bouchier, of Bouchier Khan Lawyers.

Jacob Robert Henley will face a committal hearing with cross examination in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on March 27, 2023.

Henley has not yet been required to enter pleas to the charges which include one count of fraud – dishonestly obtaining property from another to the value of at least $100,000, one count of fraud – dishonestly obtaining property from another to the value of over $30,000 but less than $100,000, two counts of fraud – dishonestly causing detriment, two counts of uttering a forged document, and one count of forgery and uttering.

Magistrate Clare Kelly said the charges dated back to almost four years and told the parties the case had to get moving.

“It’s hurting my eyes looking at that date, Mr Bouchier,” Ms Kelly remarked.

Mr Bouchier said it had been agreed for the matter to go to committal hearing but since then the prosecution had advised it was seeking further statements.

Police prosecutor Bettina Trenear told the court the prosecution was seeking three further statements but the complainant was overseas and not due back until mid-February.

Ms Kelly also asked why the case was in Toowoomba when it appeared the alleged incidents were in Brisbane, Toowong and Mackay.

“I’m trusting there’s a good reason why it’s here,” she said.

Ms Kelly said the matters would remain in Toowoomba and that the witnesses, believed to mainly be from Brisbane, would have to attend in person for the hearing.

Ms Kelly set the matter down for a committal hearing with cross examination on March 27.