A 26-year-old Coombs man facing multiple fraud charges has had his bail application denied after making disputed claims about being wheelchair-dependent due to severe knee injuries.
Alleged $40,000 Landscaping Fraud
Shawn John Michelin stands accused of defrauding Canberra residents out of more than $40,000 by accepting deposits for landscaping and building services that he never delivered. The alleged crimes occurred between August 1, 2023 and November 19, 2025, with police identifying up to 22 potential victims.
According to authorities, Michelin created social media profiles for fictitious building and landscaping businesses, providing quotes and collecting deposits from unsuspecting Canberrans. Police allege he was not qualified to complete the promised work and never commenced any construction projects.
Contested Health Claims in Court
During his bail hearing at the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 20, Michelin's Legal Aid lawyer Eimar Silk argued her client had been using a wheelchair full-time since September 2025 due to severe knee injuries from a childhood accident.
Ms Silk told the court Michelin had been presenting at emergency departments every two to three days due to extreme knee pain and was scheduled for surgery in December. She also claimed he had wet himself while in custody because he didn't receive assistance to use the toilet.
Prosecution Challenges Wheelchair Claims
Prosecutor Corinne Kennedy urged the court to view Michelin's health claims "with quite a hefty grain of salt" after police observed him walking comfortably around his home during his arrest. Officers also found his knee brace and crutches in a vehicle.
Michelin, who appeared via video call during the proceedings, waved his hand and shook his head as the prosecution presented their case against his bail application.
Bail Denied Over Inconsistent Evidence
Magistrate Ian Temby ultimately denied bail, stating Michelin's claims of incapacity were "inconsistent" with police observations. "I'm not satisfied that he does have the upcoming surgeries, or I'm not satisfied to the extent of his conditions without some supporting evidence, of which there is none," Magistrate Temby said.
The ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading had previously issued a public warning about Michelin in April 2025 following allegations he accepted deposits without delivering promised landscaping and carpentry works.
Michelin faces 26 charges of obtain property by deception and is yet to enter pleas. He is scheduled to return to court in December for further proceedings.
