A former Devonport funeral director jailed for fraud has been released after serving half of his sentence.
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Scott Allan Dickey was taken into custody in June last year after he pleaded guilty to more than 30 counts of theft and eight counts of forgery and uttering.
When sentencing in September last year, Magistrate Duncan Fairley said Dickey had been found guilty of offences including forging a client's signature authorising access to a prepaid fund, and breaching the Cremation and Burials Act.
He had stolen more than $126,000 in funds, mostly through prepaid funeral arrangements made by his clients.
Dickey was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison, with a non-parole period of nine months
After he was jailed, about 30 victims were expected to receive financial compensation from Kentish Funerals.
In addition to compensation, Dickey was ordered to pay a fine of $3000 for his breaches of the Cremation and Burials Act.
He was released last month after serving the minimum period.
Recently publishing its decision, the Parole Board said it was Dickey’s first time in jail and he had no prior convictions, other than the occasional driving offence.
“The applicant has achieved a minimum classification and been described as exceptionally polite and respectful whilst serving his custodial sentence,” the decision read.
“Case notes surrounding his integration sessions highlight what is described as a sound understanding and insight into circumstances and behaviour that led to offending and the appearance of a good external support.
“Complicit in his offending behaviour was an ongoing financial stress that existed at the time and in respect of which the applicant exercised poor decision making ultimately coming unstuck when his crimes were detected.”
Dickey was paroled from March 8 until December 8, 2018.