Thomas Lochore was refused discharge without conviction after pleading guilty to benefit fraud whilst a commerce student at Waikato University.
Lochore pleaded guilty to receiving student hardship overpayments of $9850 at a time when he was receiving income from self-employment together with scholarship support from Waikato University. He also pleaded guilty to fraudulently signing a relationship status verification claiming to be only boarding with a woman when he was in a de facto relationship with her. This relationship continued for over three years. The High Court was told he has repaid the hardship overpayment and is personally liable to contribute in the repayment of $70,800 fraudulently received by his former de facto spouse.
Lochore told the High Court a fraud conviction will severely hamper his job prospects in IT. Many jobs require a security clearance with work on client computer systems. Lochore graduated in 2016 with a degree in IT project management and delivery.
Justice Wylie ruled the convictions should stand. It is open for Lochore to find IT work where access to confidential and financial information is not necessary. Potential employers should be able to find out about Lochore’s convictions, he said. Lochore’s sentence of 200 hours community work was confirmed.
Lochore has prior convictions for driving with excess blood alcohol and domestic assault.
Lochore v. Social Development – High Court (17.06.20)
20.104