Darren Lever avoids jail after fraudulent spending on business cards
Darren Lever spent more than $35,000 on debit and fuel cards he could not use. He avoided jail by doing community work.
Darren Lever spent more than $35,000 on debit and fuel cards he could not use between late January and mid-February 2025 at a Kangaroo Flat business. Lever pleaded guilty to obtaining property by deception.
A magistrate initially signalled prison was likely. Lever's lawyer told the court his client had "had a change of heart" about community work.
The judge accepted an assessment recommending a community corrections order. Lever was sentenced to 18 months with conditions.
He must complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He must also get treatment for drug and alcohol issues.
Lever must pay about $4100 back. The magistrate warned him that failure to complete the order means jail.
No other sentence would apply.
- $35,000
- Unauthorised spending
- January 26 - February 17, 2025
- Offending period
- 100 hours
- Community work hours
- $4,100
- Restitution ordered
Why it mattersA serious fraud case shows how courts balance helping someone improve with punishment. It also shows that following community orders is not optional.
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