A former Australian Football League player stands accused of orchestrating a deceptive pool installation scheme that left multiple families with substantial financial losses and unusable backyard spaces, according to proceedings in the County Court of Victoria.
Nicholas James Stevens, 46, who previously played for both Port Adelaide and Carlton Football Clubs during the 1990s and 2000s, faces multiple criminal charges including thirteen counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception, one count of using a false document, and four alternative counts of theft. Stevens has entered a plea of not guilty to all allegations.
Prosecutor Toni Stokes presented the Crown’s case, alleging that Stevens systematically deceived six families from the regional city of Mildura, collecting approximately $171,000 in payments for swimming pool installations that were either improperly installed or never completed. According to the prosecution, Stevens operated a landscaping business in northwestern Victoria before becoming an authorized dealer for Leisure Pools, a global fibreglass pool manufacturer.
The court heard that despite receiving training on legal compliance requirements for pool installation and successfully completing six supervised installations, Stevens allegedly proceeded to operate independently without proper licensing. Prosecutors contend he knowingly accepted substantial payments from clients despite lacking qualifications as a registered builder and without securing mandatory major building contracts or domestic building insurance.
The consequences for victims varied significantly, with three families reportedly receiving “illegally and shoddily” installed pools that failed to meet standards, while three other families were left with nothing more than excavated holes in their properties. Evidence presented suggested Stevens faced significant financial difficulties during this period, accumulating substantial debts with a Leisure Pools distributor.
Defense barrister Jim Stavris urged jurors to carefully consider the chronology of events and evidence regarding his client’s training and intentions. Stavris emphasized that refunds provided to two families—one receiving $26,500 and another $10,000—demonstrated Stevens’ good faith rather than criminal intent.
The trial continues with witness testimony expected to provide further details about the families’ experiences, from initial excitement through mounting delays and eventual disappointment regarding their pool projects.