Former Little Athletics Tasmania President avoids jail in funds theft case

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.