Former Australian rules footballer Nick Stevens is facing trial in the County Court of Victoria, accused of defrauding multiple families in the Greater Mildura area of more than $170,000 through dodgy swimming pool deals.
On Friday, the court heard evidence from David Byrnes, who paid Stevens $27,513.75 on November 14, 2017, for a pool to be installed at his Irymple address. Byrnes told the court he expected a brand new pool but received a damaged one with cracks, a hole in the skimmer box, and foam bits on the side. He also discovered Stevens lacked the proper permit to install the pool.
Byrnes testified that Stevens never replaced the damaged pool, never installed it legally, and never provided a refund. When Byrnes asked for a refund, Stevens allegedly replied, 'You've got to be kidding me. It's not worth taking the pool out.'
Jason Smith, director of sales distribution at Explore Industries (formerly Leisure Pools), also testified. He stated that Stevens had told him a friend, Brian Mcdonnell, would provide the correct licensing until Stevens could obtain his own. Smith said the plan addressed a 'gap' in the pool licensing system, as people need a licence to install pools but cannot learn without one.
Stevens has pleaded not guilty to all 18 fraud-related charges. The trial continues, with the defence counsel warning the jury it will be a 'technical' case.
