Former AFL Star Convicted in $170,000 Pool Installation Fraud
A former Australian Football League (AFL) player, Nick Stevens, 46, has been found guilty of defrauding six families in a swimming pool installation scheme. Stevens, who played for Port Adelaide and Carlton, was convicted by a jury in the County Court of Victoria on 12 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and one count of using a false document. He was acquitted on one additional charge of obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
The Offenses
In 2017, Stevens operated a landscaping business in the Mildura region, holding a dealership agreement to sell Leisure Pools. He accepted payments totaling between $167,798.75 and $171,000 from six families for the delivery and installation of swimming pools.
Court documents revealed that Stevens did not hold the required builder registration, permits, insurance, or a license for these installations.
The prosecution alleged that Stevens never intended to install legally compliant pools. The court heard that families were left with either undelivered pools, incomplete installations—described in one source as "holes in their backyards"—or structures that did not meet legal requirements. Two families received full or partial refunds.
Mildura Rural City Council's municipal building surveyor, Mark Yanstes, testified that in 2017 and 2018, the council identified several jobs where homeowners believed permits had been applied for, but the private building surveyor had not received the necessary paperwork before work began. The council issued stop-work orders starting in May 2017. Permits cannot be issued retrospectively.
A charge of using a false document related to a doctored screenshot Stevens allegedly sent to a shipping company, falsely indicating a funds transfer for a customer's pool delivery. Stevens acknowledged the screenshot appeared false but denied sending it, suggesting his ex-partner might have.
Defense Claims
Defense barrister Jim Stavris argued that Stevens encountered financial difficulties in late 2017 but initially intended to install compliant pools. Stavris claimed Stevens had previously installed six compliant pools under a training agreement with registered builder Brian McDonnell and believed this arrangement was ongoing. Stevens claimed he sent permit application forms to Mr. McDonnell.
The defense contended that Stevens' attempts to resolve the problems indicated an original intent to fulfill the contracts. Prosecutor Toni Stokes countered that there were clear conflicts between Stevens' claims and the evidence provided by victims and Mr. McDonnell.
Victim Impact Statements
During a pre-sentence hearing, five victim impact statements were provided to the court, four of which were read aloud. The court heard that many victims had limited financial resources and felt their trust was deeply breached.
- Ben Knight reported that the situation contributed to the breakdown of his marriage. "We started out excited with plans for a pool and ended up with a hole in our yard for years," he said. Knight paid Stevens over $30,000 for a pool that was never received. Stevens provided explanations including adverse weather, truck malfunctions, and legal disputes with Leisure Pools.
- Kerry Knight described experiencing "stroke-like" symptoms due to financial and emotional pressure. The family lost and sold their property.
- Rod Charman expressed anger and disgust.
- Tina Charman said she now feels distrust toward tradespeople and strangers.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The court heard that Stevens has accepted an obligation to repay one couple but is resisting repaying others until the amount owed is determined. The total amount considered for sentencing may differ from the total sought by victims. Stevens has repaid $10,000 to the Knights.
Judge Fiona Todd ordered a community corrections order assessment but warned Stevens that a combination sentence is unlikely, citing the persistence of the offending and its impact on victims. She warned him that he is likely to remain in custody after being sentenced.
Defense barrister Jim Stavris cited two precedents: the nine-month term given to Dylan DiPierdomenico for defrauding $140,000, and a community corrections order for Norman O'Bryan. Stavris argued that Stevens is a vulnerable prisoner due to his notoriety as an ex-AFL player, sometimes isolated 23 hours a day for protection.
Prosecutor Toni Stokes countered that Stevens shows no evidence of remorse and maintains his innocence, describing the offense as a white-collar crime committed by a blue-collar worker. She argued that a prison sentence is necessary for punishment and denunciation.
Stevens has been in custody for 52 days. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15.