Former AFL Player Nick Stevens Convicted of Defrauding Families in Pool Business Scandal
Former AFL footballer Nick Stevens has been remanded in custody after a jury found him guilty of multiple fraud charges related to his regional pool installation business. The ex-Carlton and Port Adelaide player was convicted in Victoria's County Court on Monday following a fourth trial, after three previous attempts were abandoned due to various legal issues.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Stevens, 46, was found guilty of defrauding six families in Mildura, located in Victoria's north, with total losses amounting to $171,000. Prosecutors presented evidence that Stevens took payments from these families with promises to install swimming pools in their backyards, but either failed to complete the installations properly or left "giant holes in their backyards" without any functional pool.
According to prosecutor Toni Stokes, Stevens initially installed six legally compliant pools under the supervision of a registered builder, but then began operating independently without the required licence, registration, permits, or insurance. None of the pools installed during this independent period met legal compliance standards, with many exhibiting serious faults including cracks and structural deficiencies.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
The legal process involved significant complications, beginning with Stevens' first trial in May 2025, which was aborted after the presiding judge excused themselves from the case. A second trial commenced earlier this year but was terminated on February 25, just one day after opening statements, due to issues with evidence presentation. A third jury was empanelled but discharged on March 5 before deliberations could begin.
In the fourth trial, jurors retired to deliberate on March 25 and returned with their verdict on Monday. Stevens was found guilty of 13 charges of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and one charge of using a false document. He was acquitted of one additional charge involving an alleged $3,000 deception.
Judge Fiona Todd thanked the jurors for their service before discharging them. Following the verdict, Stevens, who had been on bail throughout the proceedings, was taken into custody. Prosecutor Stokes indicated that Stevens now faces a "very likely" prison sentence at his upcoming sentencing hearing.
Background and Future Proceedings
Stevens pleaded not guilty to all 18 original charges, which included theft, obtaining financial advantage by deception, and using false documents. He maintained his innocence throughout the legal process, opting to take the matter to trial rather than accepting a plea agreement.
The former footballer enjoyed a successful 12-year AFL career, playing 231 games for Port Adelaide and Carlton before retiring in 2009. His transition from professional sports to business ownership has now resulted in serious legal consequences.
Stevens will return to court for a pre-sentence hearing on May 21, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for his crimes. The case highlights the importance of proper licensing and regulation in the construction industry, particularly when dealing with vulnerable consumers making significant financial investments in their homes.
