Former Olympic swimmer Neil Brooks and his wife intend to ‘strenuously defend’ criminal charges in relation to an alleged $1.95 million fraud, their lawyer says.
Brooks is accused of making dishonest representations about the success of a sports clothes manufacturing business, of which he was director, to induce a victim to purchase a 50 per cent share of the company.
He appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday and was granted bail on conditions that he live and reside in Hong Kong, with the matter to return to court in December.
Former Olympic swimmer Neil Brooks and his wife Linda both faced court over fraud charges
The couple intend to ‘strenuously defend’ criminal charges of an alleged $1.95 million fraud
Neil Brooks faced court on Monday, while Linda will have to return to a Perth court on Tuesday
Brooks was arrested on Monday morning when he flew into Brisbane International Airport and surrendered to detectives from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group.
He has been charged with one count of serious fraud.
His wife Linda Brooks also faced court on Monday morning on a fraud charge but will be required to come back to court on Tuesday.
Mrs Brooks, who was also a director of the company, was arrested and charged with fraud over similar allegations after flying into Perth International Airport on October 13.
Court documents allege she ‘dishonestly induced’ Glenn Melcheck to deliver $1.95 million to Alfords Operations Pty Ltd in February 26, 2008, at Southport.
Linda Brooks arrives at a Perth court on Monday morning alongside her lawyer Chris Hannay
Neil Brooks celebrates after finishing the 4x100m relay at the Moscow Olympics in first place
Magistrate Suzette Coates said she needed more information before signing off on bail conditions that would permit Mrs Brooks to retain her passport and live in Bali.
‘That’s magical, isn’t it?’ she said of the potential conditions.
‘It’s not ideal, your Honour,’ the prosecutor replied.
In standing the matter over until Tuesday, Magistrate Coates told the court: ‘I’d need a bit more information than ‘she’ll be right mate”.
Chris Hannay said he understood the pair would ‘strenuously defend’ the charges against them
Brooks is a former Olympic gold medallist (pictured here at the 1986 Commonwealth Games)
Outside court, their lawyer Chris Hannay said he understood the pair would ‘strenuously defend’ the charges against them.
‘Absolutely,’ he replied when asked if they intended to plead not guilty.
Brooks is best known for winning gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics as part of the 4x100m medley relay team and was a former high-profile presenter on the Seven Network.
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