Sean Peter Burk, 62, has pleaded guilty to dishonestly acquiring the money between July and February Credit: AAP. Burk was taking medication for Parkinson's disease that caused him to develop a sex addiction and obsessive behaviour and impulse buy, defence lawyer Greg Barns told the Hobart Supreme Court during sentencing submissions on Wednesday.
He also gave roughly the same amount of money to a woman he met on a dating website who claimed to be from Malaysia. The Crown noted Burk started stealing money from Meals on Wheels before he began taking sifrol.
Credit: Nine News. Burk was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in , when he started taking the prescription drug sifrol. Referencing a neurologist's report, Mr Barns said Burk's decision making was adversely impacted by the drug and he didn't have a sex addiction prior to taking it.
Mr Barns conceded the offending would usually require a prison sentence but said Burk's health meant home detention "could be entertained". Justice Michael Brett noted Meals on Wheels would not get much of the money back. Credit: Getty Images. Burk had an appointment in Sydney next month to begin brain stimulation treatment, a service not available in Tasmania, and would face difficulties receiving care in prison, Mr Barns said. Justice Michael Brett described Burk's offending as a "shocking breach of trust" and noted the charity would not get much of the money back.
Mr Barns said Burk has no income apart from a disability pension and has entered into a reverse mortgage to pay back some of the funds. Burk had worked in financial positions at various organisations for 35 to 40 years, the court heard. The Sydney Morning Herald. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Courts Crime Charity.
