A gaming manager at ALH’s Vale Hotel has been sentenced over more than $30k in fraudulent bets she placed on Keno, attempting to cover financial burdens from her mother’s gambling.
A court heard 24-year-old Nikkita Faye Clutterbuck was working a shift on 22 November last year, when she “impulsively” placed at total of 22 credit bets without payment, totalling $30,200.
She subsequently cancelled $700 of the bets, but $29,500 went through and from that she won $18k, leaving the pub on the hook for $11,500.
Around 5pm Tabcorp (previous keepers of Keno) contacted the ALH pub to enquiry about the large bets, and connected to Clutterbuck were told the betting was by a man in the bar.
The following day the young woman returned to the Hotel and confessed. The matter was reported to authorities, and Clutterbuck resigned in a disciplinary meeting, where she agreed for around $1,700 owed to her in annual leave to be withheld.
This left ALH Group still short around $9,800, and it sought restitution.
Before a large group of supporters, Clutterbuck pleaded guilty last week in Townsville Magistrates Court to a charge of fraud – dishonestly causing detriment by an employee.
Her defence tendered a character reference and formal apology, citing a traumatic childhood and mental health issue that made her prone to impulsivity. The defendant was experiencing financial hardship, aggravated by her mother asking for money “to help fund her gambling addiction”.
The problems had led to borrowing from payday lenders, and due to make a payment the day of the offence, she made a “regrettable” decision.
Clutterbuck has since gained employment at Australia Post, and stated her intentions to repay all money owed, including existing debts and legal fees.
Police prosecutor Luay Allaway framed the offence as a breach of trust for personal gain, with a further attempt to conceal the crime, and called for a prison sentence of 18 months.
The defence asked that a prison term be wholly suspended.
Considering the circumstances, Magistrate Ross Mack noted the “spur of the moment” nature of the crime, prompted by what he described as an unsophisticated attempt to get out of financial trouble, also noting that any considerable win would have required identification, which would have uncovered all.
Suggesting she learn from the experience, a conviction was recorded and she was ordered to pay the $9,814 in restitution, but he wholly suspended a sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment for two years, meaning she will not serve any time if she doesn’t reoffend.
