A fraudster who operated as a cleaner and escort while receiving over $74,000 in workers’ compensation will be required to repay WorkSafe after he pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining payments by deception. 

The Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard that Angus Dick, 45, had received $74,744 in weekly compensation payments between April 2020 and December 2021 after he made a claim for a back injury he suffered while working as a cooling system service technician. 

A WorkSafe investigation found that while receiving compensation for the injury, Mr Dick received payments from several clients for his escort services and worked as a cleaner for a construction company as well as a resort. 

Mr Dick did not disclose the activity to WorkSafe and continued to submit certificates stating that he had not been working during that time. 

WorkSafe Executive Director Insurance Roger Arnold said there was no excuse for the man’s actions.

“Failing to declare work while continuing to receive compensation payments is fraud, plain and simple,” Mr Arnold said. 

“This is a serious crime and anyone trying to take advantage of the workers’ compensation scheme for their own profit will face serious consequences.” 

Mr Dick was sentenced to an 18-month Community Corrections Order, requiring him to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work and ordered to repay the amount of compensation he had been given.