Major update in Toowoomba court on Shannara Dyball’s alleged $90k fraud case

An update has been provided to court on a former Containers for Change employee accused of stealing more than $95,000 from the not-for-profit recycling organisation.

Police have charged young mum, Shannara Cindy Dyball, 25, who grew up in Goondiwindi, with fraud after she allegedly stole an eye-watering amount of money from a former Toowoomba workplace.

A Goondiwindi born woman accused of stealing more than $95,000 from her Toowoomba employer has failed to have her charges changed.

Detectives from Toowoomba’s Criminal Investigation Branch allege Shannara Cindy Dyball fraudulently obtained $95,573.50 from Containers for Change at Torrington over a period of 11 months between July 2019 and June 2020.

Mrs Dyball was charged on March 6, 2023.

Police have charged young mum, Shannara Cindy Dyball, 25, who grew up in Goondiwindi, with fraud after she allegedly stole an eyewatering amount of money from a former workplace at Toowoomba.

A magistrate was provided an update on the young mum’s case at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, June 28.

Mrs Dyball was not present in court during the mention.

Solicitor Chelsea Saldumbide told the court she sent a submission to police regarding Mrs Dyball’s charges, but it was unsuccessful.

The McConnell and Saldumbide Criminal Lawyers director said following the rejected submission, she organised a conference with Mrs Dyball later in the week to confirm her final instructions.

Ms Saldumbide noted barrister David Jones KC was briefed on the case.

The University of Southern Queensland recently appointed the top barrister an adjunct professor.

Top Toowoomba barrister David Jones KC has been involved in a number high-profile criminal cases, including hundreds of trials for defence and prosecution. Picture: File

The court heard one statement was outstanding from the brief of evidence, which was to be completed by a finance manager.

Police prosecutor Natalie Bugden told Magistrate Louise Shepard she would follow up with officers to find out when the statement would be completed, but noted three weeks should be enough time.

Magistrate Shepard enlarged Mrs Dyball’s bail and set her case down for a committal mention on July 19.

As fraud is considered a serious indictable offence, the matter will need to proceed in a higher court.

Offenders who are convicted of employee fraud between $30,000 and $10,000, can be sentenced to up to 14 years’ imprisonment.