A man who stole $700,000 from his employer will spend at least three years in jail.
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Andrew Neville Hodgetts, 39, was sentenced to five years in the Launceston Supreme Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to nine counts of computer related fraud.
Hodgetts created false documents, forged signatures and deposited funds into his personal accounts while working at Launceston Motor Group.
He "shuffled around" about $1.2 million across four years, applying for five loans for cars that did not exist and convincing staff to make 56 separate deposits into his bank.
Handing down his sentence, Justice Robert Pearce said it was a case of "serious fraud" with Hodgetts stealing a "very substantial amount over a long period of time".
Since the allegations came to light, Hodgett’s wife has left him and he has little contact with his two children.
But Justice Pearce said he “brought those things on himself”.
Justice Pearce said Hodgett’s guilty plea was the only factor that worked in his favour.
“Nothing has been repaid,” he said.
Hodgetts was convicted on nine counts and his prison sentence was backdated to October 3.
He will be eligible for parole after three years.
His family sobbed in the back of the court as he was taken away.
"We love you," they called out.
Justice Pearce made a $500,000 compensation order for Chubb Insurance who paid out Launceston Motor Group. A second compensation order for Launceston Motor Group was made but the amount has not yet been determined.
Hodgetts was also ordered to pay a victims of crime compensation levy of $450.
