Former Cricket Tasmania receptionist on stealing charges may face home detention

Former Cricket Tasmania receptionist Renee Ferguson may face a period of home detention over stealing charges dating back to 2017. LATEST >>

A FORMER Cricket Tasmania receptionist accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of cash and memberships from the organisation could face a period of home detention if she changes her plea to guilty.

Renee Ferguson, 48, is also the woman at the centre of an unrelated sexting scandal involving former Australian cricket captain Tim Paine.

On Monday, she appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court via video link, with her lawyer Greg Barns SC telling the court she accepted a sentence indication hearing held last week.

Ms Ferguson has pleaded not guilty to multiple stealing charges and two counts of dishonestly acquiring a financial advantage dating back to 2017.

Greg Barns SC and Renee Ferguson arrive at the Hobart Magistrates Court. Picture: Chris Kidd

This includes allegations she took $5600 from Cricket Tasmania, mainly in cash but also in the form of a junior and platinum membership worth $705, and a Hobart Hurricanes family membership worth $339.

Magistrate Michael Daly bailed Ms Ferguson, who now lives interstate, to reappear via video link on July 28.

Depending on the outcome of the home detention assessment, Ms Ferguson may need to appear in person in Hobart on August 1.

Ferguson’s court fight against stealing allegations continues

A former receptionist has appeared remotely in a Hobart court to fight allegations she took more than $5000 in cash and perks from Cricket Tasmania.

Renee Ferguson appeared via video-link in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday morning over multiple stealing charges and two counts of dishonestly acquiring a financial advantage, all of which she has pleaded not guilty to.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Daly relayed allegations Ms Ferguson had fraudulently taken $5600 from Cricket Tasmania while she worked there, mostly in cash but also in the form of a Cricket Tasmania junior and platinum membership worth $705, and a Hobart Hurricanes family membership worth $339.

Renee Ferguson arrives at the Hobart Magistrates Court. Picture: Chris Kidd.

He said the alleged offending included stealing more than $1500 on several occasions between September and November 2017, stealing $300 in July 2017, obtaining the Cricket Tasmania memberships without authorisation in July and August 2017, and stealing more than $2600 on several occasions between June and August in 2017.

The 48-year-old woman is being represented by defence counsel Greg Barns in her fight against the charges.

Prosecutor Jayson Taws said at an earlier court appearance the prosecution’s case would include CCTV footage and witness evidence from former Cricket Tasmania CEO Nick Cummins.

Mr Daly adjourned the matter to reappear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday.