Post by Banker on Apr 20, 2012 5:41:26 GMT 7
A SUNSHINE Coast mother accused of going on a spending spree after Centrelink gave her $2 million instead of $2000 has been granted bail in court.
But mother-of-three Judy Lorbek, 46, of Coes Creek near Nambour, must post a $400,000 surety to secure her release.
Ms Lorbek was charged by Australian Federal Police with dishonestly appropriating property of the Commonwealth.
Police allege more than $2 million was credited to Ms Lorbek's bank account by Centrelink, instead of a one-off $2000 payment on February 6 this year.
Brisbanetimes.com.au reported that she was arrested in Sydney in March where she was holidaying with two of her three teenage children, after allegedly using some of the money to pay off the mortgage on her newly renovated home.
It is alleged Ms Lorbek then went on a spending spree with the remaining funds, $16,000 of which is still unaccounted for.
The 46-year-old was granted bail in Brisbane Magistrates Court on the condition she pay $400,000 as surety. It is understood Ms Lorbek's brother-in-law will provide the surety, the Fairfax site reported.
Ms Lorbek has been banned from attending any RSL club while on bail, because prosecutors have alleged she has a history of spending considerable funds in such places.
Her case was adjourned until May 11, but she will not be required to attend court then.
It is understood Ms Lorbek has vowed to repay the money to the government and has agreed to have her financial assets frozen.
www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/04/20/bail-for-coasts-2m-mum/
But mother-of-three Judy Lorbek, 46, of Coes Creek near Nambour, must post a $400,000 surety to secure her release.
Ms Lorbek was charged by Australian Federal Police with dishonestly appropriating property of the Commonwealth.
Police allege more than $2 million was credited to Ms Lorbek's bank account by Centrelink, instead of a one-off $2000 payment on February 6 this year.
Brisbanetimes.com.au reported that she was arrested in Sydney in March where she was holidaying with two of her three teenage children, after allegedly using some of the money to pay off the mortgage on her newly renovated home.
It is alleged Ms Lorbek then went on a spending spree with the remaining funds, $16,000 of which is still unaccounted for.
The 46-year-old was granted bail in Brisbane Magistrates Court on the condition she pay $400,000 as surety. It is understood Ms Lorbek's brother-in-law will provide the surety, the Fairfax site reported.
Ms Lorbek has been banned from attending any RSL club while on bail, because prosecutors have alleged she has a history of spending considerable funds in such places.
Her case was adjourned until May 11, but she will not be required to attend court then.
It is understood Ms Lorbek has vowed to repay the money to the government and has agreed to have her financial assets frozen.
www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/04/20/bail-for-coasts-2m-mum/