Login
iscover
Former LJ Hooker agent Tri Duc Ngo has asked a Melbourne judge to spare him from spending time behind bars after pleading guilty to misappropriating more than $6 million from clients, but the judge has said that he should prepare himself for a stint behind bars nonetheless.
Tri Duc Ngo, also known as Joseph Ngo, has pleaded guilty to misusing $6.49 million from trust accounts linked to six LJ Hooker branches, with some of the money used to buy drugs and jewelry, according to Fairfax Media.
It said that defence lawyer Erol Cinar argued that Ngo, who is reported to suffer from psychosis and a substance addiction, should be spared jail because, among other reasons, his 4-year-old had not made lasting memories of him yet.
But prosecutor Robyn Harper said that an immediate term of imprisonment was the only appropriate punishment, considering that the misappropriation amounted to more than $6 million.
According to Fairfax, Judge Michael Bourke agreed.
It further said that the judge released Ngo on bail for one day to collect his medications, with plans to remand him in custody on Tuesday before sentencing at a later date.
Earlier, REB reported that Consumer Affairs Victoria had commenced criminal proceedings against Ngo, along with his wife Truc Thanh Le Nguyen, also known as Judy Nguyen, and that if they were found guilty, they would face lengthy jail terms.
The action was brought against the pair after they were embroiled in a scandal that shook Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs last year, leaving home owners and tenants millions of dollars out of pocket.
At the time, Ms Nguyen was principal of LJ Hooker franchises in Glen Waverley, Keysborough, Mount Waverley, Burwood, Doncaster and Box Hill. Mr Ngo was an employee agent in the same offices.
All six offices are owned by JNT Law Investments (JNT). Ms Nguyen is the sole director of JNT.
After client complains about missing money surfaced in April last year, Ms Nguyen claimed it had been lost after the office accounts had been hacked. She blamed Mr Ngo for the missing cash.
Ms Nguyen and Ngo were married at the time the alleged offences took place, but they are now believed to be separated.
All six of the LJ Hooker offices have been permanently closed.
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.