Key Takeaways
- Colin Gillies, a stonemason, was found guilty of creating fake invoices and pocketing cash payments from clients, totaling $124,000.
- Gillies abused the trust of his employer, Stonecraft Construction, and its clients, causing significant financial and relational damage.
- He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for his crimes, which were motivated by a sense of entitlement.
- Stonecraft Construction is warning others about Gillies’ actions and seeking to protect others from similar fraudulent activities.
- The case highlights the importance of trust and integrity in business relationships and the severe consequences of breaching that trust.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Colin Gillies, a stonemason who worked for Stonecraft Construction, is a shocking example of how trust can be abused in a business relationship. Gillies was found guilty by a jury at a trial in the Kaikohe District Court earlier this year of creating fake invoices and pocketing cash payments from clients. The total amount of money involved was $124,000, which is a significant loss for a small family-owned business like Stonecraft Construction. The company’s manager, Pam Mitcalfe, stated that they want to warn others about Gillies’ actions and seek to protect others from similar fraudulent activities.
The Extent of the Fraud
Gillies’ fraudulent activities were carried out over a sustained period, and on three occasions, he created invoices using the Stonecraft logo but used his personal bank account for payment by clients. These invoices totaled $110,000. Additionally, he received cash payments of $14,000 from Stonecraft clients, which he pocketed. The Crown lawyer, Ina Stewart, argued that Gillies took advantage of his position and that the offending was serious and had a considerable impact on the victims. Stewart also stated that Gillies had told Corrections that if he were fined, he would take it out of a perceived debt he believes he is owed by Stonecraft, which suggests that he shows no remorse for his actions.
The Defense’s Argument
Gillies’ lawyer, Nick Leader, argued that his client had spent a significant amount of his own money on the projects and that he was entitled to the money. Leader also claimed that many of the Crown’s figures were incorrect and that Gillies had the invoices for money he had paid out to sub-contractors to prove it. However, Judge Peter Davey was not convinced by this argument, stating that if that was the case, Gillies should have presented that evidence at trial. Leader also disagreed with the Crown’s claim that the offending was sustained and said that of more than 400 jobs Gillies was involved in, the offending was restricted to just five instances.
The Sentence
Judge Davey sentenced Gillies to two years and six months in prison, stating that his offending was motivated by entitlement and that it was a significant breach of trust on a small family-owned business. The judge also stated that Gillies had led clients to believe they were paying Stonecraft, but actually, he was diverting the funds so they were paid into his bank account. The sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and the impact it had on the victims. Stonecraft Construction’s manager, Pam Mitcalfe, expressed relief that the case is now behind them and that Gillies’ name is on the public record to protect others.
Conclusion and Aftermath
The case of Colin Gillies serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and integrity in business relationships. The breach of trust and financial damage caused by Gillies’ actions have had a significant impact on Stonecraft Construction and its clients. The company is now seeking to rebuild its reputation and warn others about the dangers of fraudulent activities. The sentence handed down to Gillies reflects the severity of his crimes, and it is hoped that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar activities. As Mitcalfe stated, "The wounds that fraud inflicts, though not seen, are real," and it is essential to take steps to prevent such crimes from happening in the future.
