A man accused of running a fake charity for his own gain is expected to seek to have the case heard in the Magistrates’ Court, rather than a higher court.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Christopher Ellingburg on Wednesday appeared in Bendigo Magistrates’ court where the matter was adjourned to November 29.
His defence counsel indicated that she would be applying for the case to continue to be heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Ellingburg is charged with conspiracy to defraud, obtaining financial advantage by deception, obtaining property by deception and other charges.
It is alleged Mr Ellingburg helped run charity stalls at Bendigo supermarkets to fundraise for seriously ill children, but instead pocketed the donations.
Prosecutor Allan Sharp indicated the prosecution would not oppose an application to have the matter heard in the Magistrates’ Court, but questioned whether the court would have scope for appropriate sentencing, given alleged prior offences.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Magistrate Sarah Leighfield varied Mr Ellingburg’s bail conditions, so he has to report to a police station twice a week instead of three times a week.
Mr Ellingburg’s defence lawyer Anne-Marie Stephanides had applied to have her client’s reporting obligation brought down to one day a week, saying he had many medical appointments to attend.
She said Mr Ellingburg had been on bail for a long time and had at least two months before the matter would be resolved.
The purpose of reporting was to ensure the defendant remained within the jurisdiction, Ms Stephanides said, not to be onerous.
Mr Sharp opposed the application, saying the prosecution had been given no formal notice and the flight risk increased as the matter drew closer to being finalised.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.