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Geelong Society of Dramatic Arts Treasurer ran books for his own
benefit
16th May 2008
Article
Source:
www.geelongadvertiser.com.au,
Article Date:
May 13, 2008,
Author: Karen Matthews
Gary
Blick ran, but had nowhere to hide, after pleading guilty yesterday
to the theft of $29,214 from
a Geelong community theatrical company.
A court heard 45-year-old Blick, of
Loupe Cres, Leopold, used the money
to sort out his financial
problems, refinance his home and help prop up
his wife's ailing
hairdressing business.
Police prosecutor Sen-Constable
Kylie Jane said that between 2004 and
2006 Blick was volunteer
treasurer of Geelong Society of Dramatic Arts.
"His duties were to bank all
takings in relation to GSODA shows and performances," she said.
"He also had authority to issue
cheques to creditors." Sen-Constable Jane said that
between 2005 and 2007, GSODA management noticed several financial
discrepancies and challenged Blick to provide records of
expenditure, which he failed to do. She said investigations found
that between 2004 and 2006, Blick issued himself 11 cheques from
GSODA Inc's Bendigo Bank account to the tune of $29,214.
"He deposited six cheques totalling
$15,760 into a Home Loan account with Citibank," she said. "In mid-2005, Blick re-financed his
home with Capital Finance, now being a joint-account."
The prosecutor said that in 2006
Blick wrote and deposited a further five cheques, all in the name of
G. Blick or G.J. Blick. "Both accounts were operated with a
redraw facility and operated on a normal daily transaction account,
with regular pay deposits and bill payments being drawn from the
balance," she said. Michael Vines, for Blick, said Mrs Blick's
struggling hairdressing business had caused the family significant
financial difficulties. "He has repaid $8000 from the sale of his
motorcycle and has no prior convictions," Mr Vines said.
Magistrate Ian von Einem convicted
Blick and placed him on a two-year good behaviour bond to pay $300 a
month to GSODA.
GSODA spokesperson Diana Murase said the theft of such a large
amount of money had been devastating for the group.
"He (Blick) made a big mistake, and
I think he is going to have to pay for that publicly and financially
for a very long time," she said.
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