Former AFL Star Nick Stevens' Fraud Trial Hits Snag as Jury Dismissed
Former AFL footballer Nick Stevens has expressed frustration outside court after a judge dismissed the jury in his fraud trial on Wednesday, citing technical issues with the prosecution's case. The 46-year-old, who played for Carlton and Port Adelaide, is accused of defrauding six families in the regional Victorian town of Mildura.
Allegations of Deception and Financial Loss
Prosecutors allege that Stevens deceived six families into paying a total of $171,000 for swimming pool installations. According to the charges, he failed to legally install the pools, leaving some with cracked structures or, in other cases, no pools at all—instead abandoning "giant holes in their backyards." Stevens now faces 18 offences, including theft, obtaining financial advantage by deception, and using a false document.
Trial Delays and Stevens' Response
The trial has been prolonged, with Stevens voicing his disappointment to reporters outside court. "It's extremely disappointing to have seven years and the prosecution still not able to provide the evidence that's needed," he said, reiterating his frustration. This setback follows an earlier trial that was aborted last year due to a judge mix-up, adding to the delays in the legal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook
Stevens has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges related to his swimming pool business. The case is set to resume on Monday, as the court works to address the prosecution's technical issues and move forward with the trial. The ongoing delays highlight the complexities of the case and the challenges faced by both the defense and prosecution in presenting evidence.
