BishopAccountability.org
	Ex-Priest Stripped Trust of $31,713 By Christine Kellett Brisbane Times [Australia] June 16, 2007 http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/expriest-stipped-trust-of-31713/2007/06/ 16/1181414576644.html A former Catholic priest who stripped a Brisbane hospital trust fund of more than $30,000 will spend at least five months behind bars. John Michael Hills, 49, was the co-ordinator of the Royal Children's Hospital's Parent Aid Program - a volunteer scheme designed to help abused and neglected children - when he began dipping into several hospital trust accounts in January 2005. Over a 12 month period, he pilfered $31,713, purchasing household electrical goods for his family, as well as groceries, study materials for himself and his wife, and even food for the re-enactment of their wedding. Brisbane's District Court yesterday heard the father of two - who quit the priesthood 13 years ago - used numerous purchasing claim forms to buy the goods and persuaded other hospital staff to sign-off on the transactions by waiting until they were busy before approaching them. He also relied on his senior position and his "trustworthy" reputation, prosecutors said. But the scam unravelled after Hills tried to lodge a claim form for three air conditioning units, raising suspicion within the hospital department. An audit was conducted, Hills' home was raided and he was suspended from duty in December 2005. Crown prosecutor Vicki Loury said the former Central Queensland University arts academic refused to be interviewed by police and had made no attempt to repay the money, despite pleading guilty to more than a dozen separate fraud charges. The court heard a laptop computer, television, DVD player and a sewing machine were among the loot. "It was a persistent course of conduct ... motivated by greed," Ms Loury said. "The amount of money is significant and should have gone to disadvantaged children." Defence counsel Michael Byrne described his client's conduct as "totally out of character", arguing the tragic death of Hills' adopted son and other "repressed emotions" had heavily influenced his criminal behaviour. He said the items had been purchased to help his family, which had suffered further as a result of Hills losing his hospital job. Until his incarceration yesterday, Hills operated an aged-care program for eight local councils near Winton, in the state's west, where he lived rent-free. Mr Byrne asked that Hills be spared a prison term because he had once worked as a parole officer in Townsville and would be at risk of harm if he came into contact with other inmates. But Hills, who cried and shook as he sat in the dock, was told jail was unavoidable. "Clearly you were a trusted employee," Judge Tony Rafter said. "I consider that you have had some distressing experiences in your life that does engender some sympathy, but there is no point me being unduly lenient." Earlier, Hills' wife had to be taken to hospital after collapsing outside the court. Hills' was sentenced two and a half years jail, to be suspended after five months. He will serve his term in protective custody.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.