Mr Colin Stone, a 46-year-old customer service representative, injured his back and both legs while working at a design centre in Drummoyne and could not return to his place of work.

Mr Stone began receiving compensation payments for his injuries and was required to inform the WorkCover insurer of any additional work as this would affect his weekly payments.

Mr Stone informed his insurer that he had started a second job; however a WorkCover investigation found that he was not being truthful about his incurred medical expenses and his additional work.

He was under-representing his wage by up to $500 a week?, which meant he was being over-paid.

In addition, the investigation found that Mr Stone was fraudulently altering pharmaceutical receipts so that larger amounts could be claimed for reimbursement.

In total, Mr Stone pleaded guilty to 15 charges.

The court ordered Mr Stone to repay $8,219.98 in worker’s compensation overpayments, fined him $9,900 and ordered him to pay WorkCover’s legal costs.

WorkCover’s General Manager of the Workers Compensation Insurance Division Geniere Aplin said workers compensation fraud was a serious offence and Mr Stone had clearly breached the law and made false claims on numerous occasions.

“WorkCover, and the Workers Compensation System, help injured workers, usually at times of great need,” Ms Aplin said.

“Employers pay their premiums to ensure workers injured during the course of their employment receive the right level of care and income support while unable to work.

“It is essential that all who participate in the system act honestly so that the scheme remains affordable and injured workers are cared for appropriately.

“WorkCover will take the steps that are necessary to protect the system from abuse by anyone dishonestly claiming benefits.”