By Peter Douglas
Bayswater woman Marion Myra Mills, 62, had suffered a stroke and was enduring financial hardship when she stole more than $28,000 from the Upwey-Belgrave RSL Sub-branch, according to defence lawyer Beth Warnock.
Mills, a former Upwey-Belgrave RSL treasurer, on 24 April was sentenced to four months’ jail, wholly suspended for two years, after she pleaded guilty to obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Over an almost three-year period – from 26 November 2010 to 5 August 2013 – Mills made 80 fraudulent payments on her and her husband’s accounts, totalling $28,918.
Mills had issued fake RSL gift vouchers to pay back the tab.
In a court recording obtained by the ‘Mail’, Ms Warnock said around the time of offending, Mills had stopped work due to eyesight issues, with her husband also ceasing full-time work in 2012.
Although Mills received an income insurance payout, the couple were forced to sell their home after struggling to meet mortgage repayments and racking up credit card debt.
Ms Warnock said that Mills had been battling significant health issues.
“(She) also suffered a stroke and is still recovering from that physically … (she) also suffered personality changes after that (often becoming) quite nasty and easily frustrated,” Ms Warnock said.
“Both from her eyesight and stroke, her self-confidence disappeared and it affected her ability to find work.
“I think it’s very clear to the court it’s been a horrible few years for my client.”
Ms Warnock said Mills had no prior convictions and had not committed any further offences.
Mills also reported a history of heavy drinking and a gambling addiction.
In handing down the sentence at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Susan Armour said she took into consideration Mills’ clean record, guilty plea and her health issues.
However, she said the seriousness of Mills’ actions could not be ignored.
“My concern in particular is that she was the treasurer … she was the treasurer of an RSL that was in significant financial difficulty,” Magistrate Armour said.
“Despite all of that, there were some 80 transactions over a three-year period … which had only made the situation worse.
“This is a really serious breach of trust and it’s the type of offending which does warrant a term of imprisonment.”
Mills’ fraudulent actions were uncovered after an audit was ordered on the sub-branch, due to the financial difficulties.
Funds had been required from the state branch at Anzac House to prevent the sub-branch from closing its doors.
Initially, the matter involving Mills had been listed for contested hearing, but was resolved when Mills pleaded guilty in January this year.
Magistrate Armour said an immediate custodial sentence was not required in this case.
“You reported a history of heavy drinking, which is consistent with the nature of these offences and also that you’ve had a poker machine addiction,” Magistrate Armour said.
“In November 2013, you suffered pulmonary embolism, as well as a stroke that caused some right-side weakness and slurred speech.
“I am satisfied … a term of imprisonment is not necessary.
“I should also indicate if there were to be a breach of the suspended sentence, it is my intention you would serve that period in custody; you will be convicted.”
Meanwhile, in January this year, the Upwey-Belgrave RSL told the ‘Mail’ it was facing the prospect of closure at the conclusion of this year’s Anzac Day services.
Incumbent treasurer Beth Quilty said they would fight on to keep open the RSL, but community support was required, particularly for the bistro.
Just before Anzac Day this year, the sub-branch confirmed they had enjoyed a strong showing of support from the Dandenong Ranges community.
In addition to support from the Healesville RSL, local MPs Edward O’Donohue, Jason Wood and James Merlino had offered their assistance.
The revamped bistro also proved to be a financial benefit.
Sub-branch president David Eaton confirmed the local RSL would remain open into the near future.
“The bistro has been going great guns since opening and it’s now looking like we’ll stay open until at least the end of the year, staving off the threat of poker machines,” he said.
“The bistro has been going crazy since the story was published; we’re not out of the woods but in a much more positive spot.”
