A Melbourne man who falsified evidence and lied under oath during a bitter asset dispute with two de facto partners has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.
AFP Detective Senior Constable Jacob Purcell stressed the importance of truth in the judicial system.
“The laws of Australia are written to ensure a fair go for all, but judges need correct information to make appropriate rulings,” he said.
“I hope this case sends a message to anyone who thinks dishonesty might help them get more than their share of divided assets or a more favourable ruling from the courts.”
The 36-year-old will serve six months behind bars, with the remaining 12 months to be served under a Recognisance Release Order, suspended for three years on the condition of good behaviour.
The man began legal proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) in September 2017, seeking parenting and asset orders following a breakup. However, a second former partner also laid claim to the shared asset pool.
To determine the division of assets, the Court required all parties to make full declarations of their financial contributions. But on 7 August 2020, the presiding judge found the man had submitted falsified documents, lied under oath, and concealed key financial information — including the sale of a business worth more than $4 million.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched an investigation after the judge referred the matter to authorities. The man was found to have forged bank statements, emails, and other documents to falsely claim the business was sold before both relationships began — effectively attempting to exclude it from the asset pool.
He was charged on 23 August 2023 with one count of giving false testimony in a federal judicial proceeding and one count of fabricating evidence, both under the Commonwealth Crimes Act.
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