Senior SA public service job gained through “web of deceit”
A former South Australian public servant devised an “elaborate plan of deception” to fraudulently land her senior State Government job, a court has heard.
Veronica Theriault. Photo: AAP / Kelly Barnes
Veronica Theriault appeared in the District Court today after she pleaded guilty to deception and dishonesty charges that took place in 2017.
Prosecutor Sarah Attar said Theriault had woven a “web of deceit”, which involved a fake resume, impersonated reference and falsified medical certificate in a senior role at the Department of Premier of Cabinet.
She then used her position to hire her brother, Alan Hugh Melville Corkill, who has pleaded guilty to similar charges.
But Stephen Apps, for Theriault, told the court she was “off with the pixies” and blamed the hiring practices of the State Government for failing to thoroughly screen his client.
The pair was arrested last September following an investigation by South Australia’s Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Bruce Lander.
Their bail was continued ahead of court appearances in December.
– AAP
