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Kindergarten president who stole $220,000 a problem gambler, judge says
- From:Herald Sun
- July 23, 2013
A KINDERGARTEN association president who fleeced more than $220,000 from the association's accounts to cover betting debts had been a problem gambler for over 25 years, a judge said today.
In sentencing Periclis Telios to a maximum four years' jail with a minimum of two, County Court Judge Carolyn Douglas said the chronic gambler bled the association dry via 104 separate transactions between February and October last year.
In all, Telios, now aged 41, stole $224,008.48.
"The total sum stolen was virtually all the kindergarten's funds," Judge Douglas said today.
Telios pleaded guilty to theft.
Prosecutor Julian Ayres had told the earlier plea hearing: "This money was meant for the kindergarten children...for their benefit."
The Ward Avenue Kindergarten Association in Oakleigh South, of which Telios was elected president in November 2011, managed the payment of maintenance, equipment, excursions and daily operating expenses.
Telios withdrew the money via in-house and online bank transactions.
His largest withdrawal in one hit was $30,000.
Today, Judge Douglas said Telios saw gambling as a form of release and escapism from negative emotions.
Telios told a psychologist: "I feel like gambling is a part of me."
His addiction was sparked by his first visit to a casino, the judge said.
"The aggravating features of your criminal behaviour are the large amount which you stole, the length of time over which you stole the money, the number of transactions and the breach of trust which your employer had reposed in you," Judge Douglas said.
"Your family have also suffered because of this matter and have had to move house and a decision has been made not to send your young daughter to the local school because the families continue to express anger towards you."
In sentencing, Judge Douglas took into account Telios's guilty plea and remorse.
She said he had shown promise of rehabilitation by acknowledging his problem, and had the continued support of his family and friends.
Had he not pleaded guilty and been convicted, Judge Douglas would have sentenced him to five years' jail with a three-year minimum.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/kindergarten-president-who-stole-220000-a-problem-gambler-judge-says/story-fni0fee2-1226683712480
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