QLD:Alleged fraudster faces Queensland court

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2011
QLD:Alleged fraudster faces Queensland court

EDS: Changes keyword from Millions



By Christine Flatley

BRISBANE, Dec 13 AAP - The man accused of fleecing millions of dollars from Queensland
Health has faced court charged with fraud.

Hohepa Morehu-Barlow, also known as Joel Barlow, briefly appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates
Court on Tuesday on a single charge of defrauding Queensland Health of $11 million.

The 36-year-old spent Monday night in hospital after his arrest in the inner-city Brisbane
suburb of New Farm.

It's alleged New Zealand-born Morehu-Barlow, who worked for Queensland Health since
2005, funnelled $11 million into his own account on November 17.

The Queensland government has frozen around $12 million of Morehu-Barlow's assets,
including property, artwork and cash.

Morehu-Barlow's lawyer, Adam McGill, tried to have his client excused, saying he was
"not in a fit state" to front court.

However, he was brought into the dock briefly to hear details of the charge read out.

The matter was adjourned until January 16. He did not apply for bail.

Outside court, Mr McGill said his client was "entirely devastated" and was not coping
well with the shock of being charged.

"His health is my primary concern at the moment," Mr McGill said adding his client
was being assessed by mental health officers.

Mr McGill said he had no plans to make an application for bail at this point, and he
was unsure if further charges would be laid.

AAP caf/tnf/jl/goc/

KEYWORD: LEGAL: BARLOW

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