Toowoomba scammer Bailee Emma Ward pleads guilty in Toowoomba Magistrates Court to $52k fraud spree

A young woman’s ‘sophisticated’ fraud spree saw her obtain more than $52,000 in fraudulent loans and credit cards, but it all came to end after she used her boyfriend’s details to access more fraudulent loans.

Bailee Emma Ward, 22, leaving the Toowoomba courthouse on Monday, January 30, after pleading guilty to $50k+ fraud. Picture: Toowoomba Chronicle

A young Toowoomba woman was sentenced in court for 61 fraud related crimes which were committed against her ex-partner, a number of banks, and loan agencies.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told Bailee Emma Ward fraudulently obtained $52,467 over about a four-month period during 2021.

Police prosecutor Cameron Francis said the 22-year-old fraudulently applied for a number of loans, credit cards, and phone plans.

However, Mr Francis said Ward’s fraud spree came to light after she started using her ex-partners details to apply for loans.

The court was told Ward lived with her partner and controlled their finances, including a mortgage.

Mr Francis said Ward started using his details after the pair applied for a joint loan to build a shed on their property, however she ended up spending and gambling the $30,000 loan.

Bailee Emma Ward, 22, leaving the Toowoomba courthouse on Monday, January 30, after pleading guilty to $50k+ fraud. Picture: Toowoomba Chronicle

Solicitor Clare O’Connor said around the time of the offending, Ward lost her job and kept spending beyond her means, which contributed to her fraudulent behaviour.

Ms O’Connor said her client spiralled out of control and began gambling between $500 and $1000 a week on Sportsbet.

The court was told the Downlands College graduate has since paid back all of the money, with the help of a payment plan controlled by her parents, and the sale of her house.

Ms O’Connor urged magistrate Kay Philipson not to record a conviction despite the serious nature of the crimes as Ward had no criminal history, and it may be detrimental to her future employment.

Ms Philipson mused that future employers ought to know if potential employees had committed fraud, however Ms O’Connor noted she had never stolen from an employer.

Ms Philipson said Ward’s crimes were extremely serious and noted she was originally charged with 131 charges, which were changed after negotiations and conferencing between police and lawyers.

On Monday, January 30, Ward pleaded guilty to 61 fraud related charges.

Ms Philipson told Ward “at first blush” she considered sending her to jail, but after considering all the facts, Ward was sentenced to a two year probation order.

As part of the probation order, Ward will need to address any underlying psychological issues which may have contributed to her behaviour such as ADHD.

No conviction was recorded.