Thursday 5 October 2006 06 – LAWFUEL – Australia Law News – Mr Matthew David Leech, of Maiden Gully, Victoria, has appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates Court on 18 theft and dishonesty charges brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). These charges follow an investigation by ASIC into the activities of Mr Leech during his employment as a financial adviser with a Kyneton accounting firm. ASIC alleges that between July 1998 and November 2005, Mr Leech engaged in dishonest and deceptive conduct by misappropriating client funds, totalling an amount of approximately $1.3 million.
ASIC alleges Mr Leech abused his position as signatory to various client Cash Management Trust accounts, as well as forged client signatures for the purpose of withdrawing those funds for his own benefit. Mr Leech is scheduled to reappear before the Bendigo Magistrates Court on 7 December 2006 for a committal mention. The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter. For further information contact: Angela Friend ASIC Media Unit Telephone: 03 9280 3338 Mobile: 0412 058 800
