Darren Lever faces assessment for prison or corrections order after $35k theft
Darren Lever pleaded guilty to stealing over $35,000 from a business via unauthorised card transactions.
Darren Lever, 40, spent more than $35,000 on a debit card and fuel card belonging to a Kangaroo Flat business between January and February 2025. Lever made 238 transactions on the debit card alone, totalling $15,480, including $1,244 at a local store and $768 on tobacco in one purchase.
On the fuel card, he spent $20,782 in the same period. A magistrate warned Lever in Bendigo Magistrates' Court that the community was 'completely sick and tired' of his offences and that he had been 'pretty lucky' to avoid longer prison terms.
Lever also attempted theft at a hotel in May. He will be assessed for a corrections order and sentenced on October 9.
- $35,000
- Total stolen
- 238 transactions totalling $15,480
- Debit card transactions
- $20,782
- Fuel card spending
- January 26 to February 17, 2025
- Offence period
Why it mattersIt shows how fraud can escalate and courts are toughening responses to repeat theft.
AustraliaA Bendigo business lost tens of thousands; courts are treating such theft increasingly seriously across Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
