Case 4

On 4 March 2009, the worker lodged an Application for Compensation alleging that he had sustained a broken right ankle on 7 February 2009 on his journey to work as a Bar Attendant.

WorkCover later obtained hospital records that clearly refuted that the injury was work related. By virtue of this further material, it clearly confirmed that the man sustained the injury in the early hours of the morning whilst intoxicated, and not during a journey to or from work. The claim was immediately ceased by WorkCover and charges were laid.

On 19 August 2010 the man pleaded guilty to one charge of defrauding WorkCover and five charges of making false and or misleading statements to WorkCover. He was sentenced to a six month term of imprisonment, wholly suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to pay restitution of $30,907 as well as costs and a conviction was recorded.