Former Little Athletics Tasmania President avoids jail in funds theft case

November 16, 2023

Rhonda Ruth O'Sign, a former President of Little Athletics Tasmania, has avoided a prison term having pleaded guilty to stealing more than $10,000 from the organisation.

In the Supreme Court in Hobart last Tuesday (7th November), O'Sign was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, wholly suspended for two years, on the condition she does not commit further offences.

She will also need to complete 140 hours of community service within 18 months.

The Court heard the theft happened during a "chaotic period" in the 63-year-old’s life, and that she is remorseful and embarrassed.

O'Sign received a suspended sentence and was ordered to perform 140 hours of community service.

O'Sign was involved with the not-for-profit organisation for almost 30 years, serving first as a publicity officer and for the past 10 years as President.

The thefts saw O'Sign spend the money on makeup, clothes, toys and tickets to events for herself and family members - with items ranging in price from $9.50 to $263.

It had also previously heard she rigged two raffles in her favour - taking home the first prize food processor, worth more than $2,000, which she gave to her daughter-in-law.

The Court also heard O'Sign was employed at the George Town Council for 20 years, but was stood down from her role when the offending was made public.

O'Sign's offending began in 2016 when Little Athletics started fundraising so it could send two teams of junior athletes to compete overseas in the International Children's Games.

The organisation opened a bank account, and O'Sign was one of two people with a card to access the account's funds.

In sentencing O’Sign, Chief Justice Alan Blow said "a lot of work went into the funds (which you) misappropriated", including from children who organised events including sausage sizzles, quiz nights and raffles.

Chief Justice Blow noted “it is very serious that these crimes involved repeated breaches of trust over three years.”

He added “she has had this hanging over her head for some years, and that is something I will take into account as a minor mitigating factor.”

O'Sign previously pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud, fraud as a clerk or servant, stealing and computer-related fraud.

She has since paid back the funds.

Image: Rhonda Ruth O'Sign has been sentenced for stealing offences from Little Athletics Tasmania. Credit: LinkedIn.

28th October 2023 - Three year jail term for golf club treasurer who stole more than $475,000

21st July 2023 - Sydney-based event planner gets 15 year jail term for fraud

16th June 2023 - Woman sentenced for Brisbane gym thefts

23rd May 2023 - Former rock climbing coach sentenced to 13 year jail term over multiple sexual abuse offences

19th May 2023 - Court sentences man behind arson attacks on rival Melbourne jumping castle operators to 11-year jail term

2nd September 2022 - Former Canberra AFL coach sentenced to 20 years in jail for child sex offences

12th August 2022 - Australian Small Businesses urged to safeguard against brand and identity theft

18th February 2022 - Matthew Hanks to serve minimum 19 month prison term for Surf Life Saving NSW fraud

29th November 2021 - Coles announces four new athletics ambassadors to inspire Little Athletes

25th November 2021 - Former Broome tourism operator sentenced to nine years in jail over child sex offences

14th October 2021 - Victorian Government helps sports clubs recover from theft and natural disaster

2nd March 2021 - Little Athletics Australia open letter highlights need to bridge the disconnect between junior and senior athletics

11th November 2020 - Little Athletics among COVIDSafe sport and recreation activities returning to Geelong

27th July 2020 - Brisbane-based ticket scammer gets five-year prison sentence

4th October 2019 - Athletics Australia and Little Athletics agree to unite

8th July 2019 - Sea World staff member to face Court over allegations of $19,000 theft

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.