Alleged Fundraising Scam Unravels in Newcastle Court
A 42-year-old Charlestown man has been accused of orchestrating an elaborate false report about his dog being brutally attacked, which police allege led to him receiving more than $20,000 in community donations. Phillip John Laughton failed to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday morning, where his case was adjourned for three weeks.
CCTV Evidence Contradicts Emotional Story
The court heard that Laughton's solicitor, Sam Oakley, was granted time to review CCTV footage subpoenaed from Marketown Shopping Centre in Newcastle West. Police allege this footage directly contradicts Laughton's original account, showing that his black and tan rottweiler, Sasha, was not even present at the location on Friday, October 3, when the alleged attack was supposed to have occurred.
According to police documents, Laughton reported that his dog had been severely beaten by a group of youths while tied to a tree outside the shopping centre. He further claimed that two days later, on Sunday, October 5, the injuries were so extensive that Sasha had to be euthanised by a veterinarian.
Police Investigation Reveals Different Truth
Newcastle police launched an investigation following the emotional report, but their extensive review of surveillance footage told a different story. Law enforcement officials now state that Sasha was euthanised due to issues completely unrelated to any attack. The community fundraising effort, which had been organized based on Laughton's account, ultimately raised thousands of dollars under what police allege were false pretences.
Detectives issued Laughton with a court attendance notice on Friday, October 10, charging him with making a false representation that resulted in a police investigation. The matter has been scheduled to return to Newcastle Local Court on December 18, when Laughton is expected to enter a formal plea.
