R v LD
LD was charged with three counts of ‘dishonestly obtain financial advantage’ contrary to section 192E(1)(b) of the Crimes Act 1900. This is a very serious charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, LD had a criminal history of fraud-related offences that further increased the seriousness of his case.
Chris Cole represented LD and the matter was heard at the Downing Centre Local Court. He was sentenced to an aggregate term of imprisonment of 12 months, to be served by way of an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO). An ICO is a type of imprisonment that allows offenders to serve their time in the community, under several restrictions. In this case LD was ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs, enter a Gambling Treatment Program and commit no further offences.
This was an amazing result considering the seriousness of the charges. LD was able to remain in the community and receive the treatment that he needed rather than incarceration.