Two brothers are facing charges – separately and together – over alleged matters of fraud at two of Townsville’s favourite pubs, where they worked.
33-year-old Chris Gregory was assistant manager at the Mad Cow Hotel. He came to the attention of police in relation to the theft of around $300,000 from the hotel over two years. After just two weeks’ investigation, he was arrested last week.
“It was through his position of trust as assistant manager that he has been able to carry out the theft,” said Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch detective Sergeant Tony Flanders.
The man appeared before Townsville Magistrates Court late last week, charged with ‘stealing as a servant’ and fraud.
Police say he also faces a charge of fraud in relation to a separate criminal proceeding – one involving his brother.
28-year-old Alan Gregory was arrested earlier this month in relation to a similar abuse of trust at the Australian Hotel, where he worked as a venue manager.
It is alleged he placed around 500 bets during four shifts at the hotel, paying out nearly $200,000, which he used to pay for the bets and profiting approximately $17,000.
The older brother is believed to have spent a large proportion of monies acquired on pokies and online gambling sites.
Both brothers received bail, to reappear at separate dates in December.