A Victorian court is hearing disturbing accounts from homeowners who claim they were defrauded by former Australian Football League (AFL) professional Nick Stevens through his pool installation business. Stevens, who played over 200 games for Port Adelaide and Carlton, stands accused of deceiving six regional families from Mildura, leaving them with either illegally constructed pools or massive excavation pits instead of the promised swimming facilities.
The prosecution, led by Crown prosecutor Toni Stokes, alleges Stevens systematically obtained over $170,000 from victims while fully aware he lacked proper certification as a registered builder. According to court testimony, the accused operated without necessary permits, major building contracts, or appropriate insurance despite having received formal training on compliance requirements through Leisure Pools, where he completed six supervised installations.
One complainant, Ben Knight, detailed paying approximately $34,000 for a pool scheduled for November 2017 installation that never materialized. Knight described receiving ‘constant’ and increasingly ‘ridiculous’ excuses regarding delays, including claims of excessive rainfall, delivery truck breakdowns, and legal disputes with suppliers. After months of unfulfilled promises, Knight stated Stevens ceased communication entirely, leaving behind only a ‘big hole’ and substantial mess despite a partial $10,000 refund.
Another victim, Julie Martin, testified about accepting Stevens’ quote that undercut competitors by $4,000-$5,000. Despite regular site visits, Stevens allegedly repeatedly avoided providing permit documentation with various excuses. The Martins discovered through direct inquiry with Mildura council offices that no permits had ever been issued, resulting in a stop-work order and eventual pool removal. Martin ultimately received a full refund but had to engage another company to complete the project after remedying the abandoned excavation.
The prosecution contends Stevens was experiencing significant financial difficulties during this period and allegedly utilized customer payments for purposes unrelated to their projects, including funding installations for other clients. Defense barrister Jim Stavris challenged the fraud narrative, suggesting that someone with deceptive intentions wouldn’t provide refunds and urging jurors to carefully examine evidence regarding Stevens’ intentions throughout the business dealings.
The trial continues as the court examines eighteen charges including obtaining financial advantage by deception, theft, and use of false documents, to which Stevens has entered not guilty pleas.