Workers compensation fraudster convicted and sentenced

Mark Crellin of St Marys has been convicted and a community corrections order imposed for a period of 12 months without a supervision condition, for defrauding the NSW workers compensation scheme.

Mr Crellin was also ordered to pay restitution of $7,795.20 and prosecutor’s fees of $6,185.78.

SIRA prosecuted Mr Crellin on a charge of fraud under section 192E of the Crimes Act 1900. The charge followed an investigation by SIRA which found he had submitted fraudulent certificates of capacity and received compensation benefits.

SIRA Chief Executive Adam Dent said the worker had defrauded the NSW workers compensation system.

“This worker wilfully defrauded the system that is there to provide a social safety net for people injured at work,” Mr Dent said.

“SIRA will investigate and prosecute allegations of fraud against the NSW workers compensation system to send a clear message of deterrence to the perpetrators.”

SIRA’s investigation revealed Mr Crellin was injured at work on or around 6 August 2019, and from 16 August 2019 started receiving weekly worker’s compensation payments. Between 30 October 2019 and 16 January 2020, Mr Crellin submitted fraudulent certificates of capacity, enabling him to receive $7,795.20 in workers compensation payments to which he wasn’t entitled and has now been ordered to repay.

Mr Crellin pleaded guilty to the charge in March 2023 and the order was imposed on 26 April 2023 at the Downing Centre Local Court.

Magistrate Moody found the offence was serious and clearly involved an element of planning.

Mr Crellin has the right to appeal the Magistrate’s decision.