Another instance of identity crime - in the form of CV 'enhancement' - with the Victorian County Court hearing that former UK police officer improved his work and education history to gain high-paying Victorian government jobs (including one where he earned over $450,000). The embroidery included claiming diplomas from a fake university.
Peter Ravenscroft pleaded guilty to obtaining financial advantage by deception. He claimed he had been a detective inspector for the UK National Crime Squad, rather than actual service as a detective constable at Sussex police. He told prospective employers he was a Leeds University fellow, has a Bachelor of Education from Aston University and had two diplomas from Guildford University. Alas, Guildford U does not exist. He appears to have lied about receiving diplomas from the Australian Institute of Management, Brighton University and Master Builders Victoria.
The profile helped him gain employment at the state Department of Treasury & Finance and at Frankston City Council, where he was paid a total of $456,038 as a compliance and safety manager. He subsequently moved to the state Ombudsman, where he earned $196,857 in salary and superannuation.
As part of the deceptions he forged certificates of commendation and training from Sussex police and create a fake referee named “Dr John Marshall” who he said supervised him at Frankston.
Ellis J said 'deceiving prospective employers with such blatant and calculated lies is appalling behaviour indeed, noting that the fraud was 'probably entirely unnecessary' given that Ravenscroft performed well and was a hdecorated UK officer.
Ravenscroft was handed a two-year community corrections order: 180 hours of unpaid community work and requirement for mental health treatment and rehabilitation.
We might wonder about the efficacy of any vetting protocols at the three employers.
