$10,000 stolen from Medibank to feed gambling addiction
- Dominic Geiger
- 1st Feb 2013
Over a period of about eight months last year, the 22-year-old Dysart mother of two made financial claims for work she said was done by a Toowoomba dentist.
But the claims were revealed to be false when Medibank contacted the dentist, and Storey's membership was frozen.
Storey was able to make the claims for as long as she did because Medibank does not require proof of medical visits to be provided when its members claim online.
After her membership was frozen, Storey attempted to make three more false claims before police were informed.
Yesterday, Storey pleaded guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court to six charges of fraud and three of attempted fraud.
Sheena Hayes, of Morton Lawyers, represented Storey and said a combination of a gambling problem and ongoing emotional stress resulting from a miscarriage were to blame for Storey's actions. Storey became pregnant again in January 2012, a factor Ms Hayes said had also contributed to her making fraudulent claims.
While the defence was being presented, Magistrate Damian Dwyer said it was fortunate Storey had not been successful with her last three claims, otherwise she would have been sent to prison.
"You can thank Medibank for that," he said.
He also rejected the argument Storey's behaviour was unusual for her.
"It went on for 12 months and you're telling me it's out of character?" he said.
"It's because of you the rest of us have to pay the premiums we do."
Mr Dwyer ordered Storey to pay back the full $10,375.40 she had obtained fraudulently and to undertake 120 hours of unpaid community service. He also sentenced her to 18 months probation. No conviction was recorded.
http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/10000-stolen-for-gambling/1739044/
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