Kenneth Neaves has been sentenced to 1 year in jail after Judge Anne Jeffries determined he committed a breach of both trust and authority.
Neaves was working as a case worker for Social Development, using clients and even family members to perpetuate the fraud from 2007 to 2009 when he was caught by a fluke.
Judge Jeffries told the court it appears Neaves had woven a web of lies to such an extent he could not recognise reality and tried to blame others. She also speculates he would have continued with the fraud had he not got caught.
The judge also pointing out the Court of Appeal has determined people who steal from their employers should go to jail.