An Everton man has been committed to stand trial over the alleged theft of almost $280,000 from a local business.
The 60-year-old appeared at a committal hearing at Wangaratta Magistrates Court last Thursday and told Magistrate Ian Watkins he pleaded not guilty in the case, which has been adjourned to Wangaratta County Court on 13 November.
The defendant is facing around 150 charges of stealing, obtaining property by deception and falsifying tax and payment documents from Everton Fuel and Farm (EFF) from 2013 to 2021.
Police are accusing the alleged fraudster of taking farm supplies including sheep and cattle feed, fencing equipment, crop, wire, gate sets, generators, batteries, fertiliser, seeds, vaccines, hardware and pet food, as well as various household items.
Police allege the defendant used false business accounts to fraudulently order and pay for the stock.
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The court was told transactions of stock reached as much as $10,407 in a single charge, which was alleged to have occurred across June 2015.
The defendant was formally charged with the offending on 28 August, 2024 following an extensive police investigation.
He sat silently in court last Thursday as three witnesses, including the police informant, were cross examined by the defence and prosecutor.
Defence barrister Charles Morgan, briefed by Geoff Clancy, argued that while his client could have committed the crimes, there was no evidence to support that claim or that others weren't responsible.
"The items found at my client's residence and farm could be found in any shed in the North East, there is no direct evidence they came from EFF," he said.
Prosecutor Marcel White said the accused had the ability, access and the capability to commit the alleged crimes.
"The criminality here is that there are two ghost accounts, misused for good and services," he said.
"The accused is the only person who had access during the period when the thefts are being investigated."
Magistrate Watkins said after hearing submissions, there was enough evidence to support a conviction and he committed the defendant to stand trial.
