Charges dismissed: Former Eels manager Jason Irvine walks free from court

A former Parramatta Eels manager linked to the NRL club's salary cap scandal has walked free from a Sydney court after a magistrate dismissed fraud charges against him.Jason Robert Irvine, 44, was charged with two counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception and one of dishonestly obtaining property by deception.He was accused of submitting false invoices to landscape management company Green Options between December 2014 and June 2015 and creating a false sponsorship deal worth almost $90,000 to help the Eels dodge the salary cap.The club's former football and logistics team manager was also accused of taking the opportunity to benefit personally by transferring a significant portion of those funds to himself after payments were made to two players.In the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, magistrate Megan Greenwood dismissed the charges but said she found the facts in the case "deeply troubling".They were very strongly suggestive of guilt but, the magistrate said, she had to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt.Ms Greenwood found Mr Irvine had lied in his interview with NRL investigators including when he said he didn't take anything for himself and that former Eels boss Scott Seward may have.Seward was previously placed on a good behaviour bond without a conviction for dishonestly obtaining $220,000 from the club through false invoices.The magistrate in his case said Seward repeatedly asked for help from the board after receiving demands for cash from players and managers but was told to fix the problem or they would find someone who could.Ms Greenwood referred to Seward's evidence including when he revealed the pressure on him and stated: "I thought I would wake up to find a horse's head on my driveway".Mr Irvine's charges related to three Green Options invoices for $40,000, $32,000 and $17,490, out of a total of 14 invoices, which referred to "work not completed" and "not previously paid".The magistrate noted evidence given by Green Options managing director Anthony Herman who "stuck to those exact words".The timing of the invoices - issued immediately after a phone call from Mr Irvine who would then immediately issue a sponsorship involving the same amount - was "incredibly co-incidental", she said.Despite how easy it would have been for Mr Herman to give "unequivocal evidence" about whether the invoices were false or legitimate, he didn't do so despite being given multiple opportunities, Ms Greenwood noted.AAP - The Sydney Morning Herald.

"I don't fully disagree. Getting 10 wins is not far from finals. Last few seasons 12/13 wins got you 8th. So really we should be able to add up to 5 wins this year IMO.
But if we don't and we stay at 10/11, but there are excuses, I'd accept it. As I…"

"When do we consider that wonderful chant from last year. The future is now! Considing Russell is on the move at the end of this year.
Do we call it first few games, half way through the year, with 5 games to go. Do results or position on the ladder…"

"Mate I get it but it was a frustrating time watching him play and knowing he was on huge $$$; he either aims up and becomes 'elite' or he filters off like a few have over time."

Replies

Longfin Eel June 26, 2018 at 9:27pm

Isn't this the same evidence the NRL hung us out to dry with?
- Nitram > Longfin Eel June 26, 2018 at 9:35pm
  
  Yep. But the NRL doesn't have the 'beyond a reasonable doubt" test. The NRL uses the "its the vibe" test.
  - Tentonz > Nitram June 27, 2018 at 2:33am
    
    Mabo.

This reply was deleted.

Eels Blogs

Charges dismissed: Former Eels manager Jason Irvine walks free from court

Replies

More stuff to read

Eels blogs

Trial #2 / Pre Season Challenge Week 3 Team List v Sydney Roosters

Teancum Brown pushing his case for R1

Ryles 2.0: 2026 gets off to a bright start in Eels trial

V'Landys on Hello Sport

Note: this page contains paid content.

Social Blogs

Irony is Even Deader

Shark Attack..... Moses told to be wary of the surf!

Poppa's Dilemma, Welcome to my Corner, come in and have a Cuppa with a Silly Old Bastard. I think it's New Year Shortly?

Keaon done deal

Note: this page contains paid content.