Former AFL player Nick Stevens convicted of fraud in pool installation scheme
Consensus Summary
Former AFL player Nick Stevens was convicted in May 2024 of fraud after defrauding six Mildura families out of $170,000–$171,000 for pools they never received or had illegally installed. Stevens, a former Carlton and Port Adelaide player with 231 AFL matches to his name, ran a landscaping business while dealing with Leisure Pools, despite lacking proper permits. Prosecutors proved he knowingly misled customers about legal compliance, ignoring stop-work orders from Mildura Council as early as May 2017. His defence argued he intended to install compliant pools but faced financial and permit delays, though witnesses contradicted his claims. Stevens was remanded in custody until his May 21 plea hearing, with prosecutors expecting a ‘reasonable’ jail term. The case involved multiple delays, including three aborted trials, and highlighted systemic failures in permit processes that left victims with either unfinished pools or financial losses.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Nick Stevens was found guilty on 12 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and 1 charge of using a false document in the County Court of Victoria (May 2024).
- Stevens was acquitted on 1 charge of obtaining a financial advantage by deception relating to the first victim’s part-payment.
- Six families in Mildura, Victoria, were defrauded of a total of $170,000–$171,000 for pools they never received or had illegally installed.
- Stevens, a former Carlton and Port Adelaide AFL player (1998–2009), ran a landscaping business and had a dealership agreement with Leisure Pools.
- Mildura Rural City Council issued stop-work orders on Stevens’ pool projects due to lack of building permits, with the first order in May 2017.
- Stevens’ bail was denied by Judge Fiona Todd, and he was remanded in custody until his May 21 plea hearing.
- Stevens pleaded not guilty to all 14 fraud-related charges and had previously faced three aborted trials due to delays.
- Prosecutor Toni Stokes alleged Stevens knew he was operating without permits after the first stop-work order but continued taking new customers.
- Stevens claimed he intended to install legally compliant pools but failed due to financial difficulties and delays in permits.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Former Carlton vice-captain Nick Stevens played 231 AFL matches and later coached SANFL club Glenelg.
- One victim, Ben Knight, paid Stevens over $30,000 for a pool he never received, citing excuses like bad weather and legal battles with Leisure Pools.
- Stevens’ defence argued he tried to ‘fix’ the pools rather than absconding with money, emphasizing chronology and intention at the time of agreements.
- Mildura man Ben Knight’s testimony was specifically highlighted as a victim who paid $30,000+ for no pool.
- Judge Fiona Todd’s exact words were quoted: ‘unconvinced Stevens’ bail should be extended’ during the bail hearing.
- Stevens showed ‘little reaction’ to the verdicts, keeping his eyes forward while seated in the dock.
- Stevens’ ex-partner was suggested as the possible sender of the doctored screenshot (false document charge), though Stevens denied involvement.
- Prosecutor Toni Stokes asked the jury: ‘If the accused intended to comply with legal requirements, why were there no major building contracts or domestic building insurance?’
- Stevens claimed he only received copies of permits after final approvals and had clients sign forms appointing a building surveyor (Brian McDonnell).
- Judge Fiona Todd summarized the jury’s task as determining whether Stevens ‘knew that representation was false or was probably false at the time he made it.’
- One family received a full refund, another a partial refund, while four were left out of pocket entirely.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states Stevens had outstanding debts to Leisure Pools and a transport company by early 2018, but NEWSCOMAU does not mention the transport company debt.
- ABC reports Stevens’ defence argued he ‘tried to fix’ the pools rather than absconding, while NEWSCOMAU focuses on his claim of financial difficulty and permit delays as excuses.
- NEWSCOMAU describes Stevens as ‘showing little reaction’ to the verdicts, but ABC does not mention his emotional response.
- ABC specifies Stevens had 6 legally compliant pools installed under training with Brian McDonnell, while NEWSCOMAU states McDonnell gave evidence he had no contact with Stevens about the six families’ pools.
- ABC quotes Judge Fiona Todd as saying she was ‘unconvinced’ Stevens’ bail should be extended, but NEWSCOMAU uses the phrase ‘unconvinced Stevens’ bail should be extended’ without direct attribution.
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