Jonathon Luke Lawson was convicted of nine counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception in Wagga Local Court in September for his involvement in the fraudulent activity. 

As the store manager, Lawson’s first deal was with a wedding venue for a one-off deposit fee job, in exchange for the promise of future business. 

Pocketing the $500 deposit himself, the party hire owners later estimated $7690 worth of lost profits after photos of the wedding were uncovered online. 

The fraud continued for more than a year, as the now 28-year-old pocketed cash, hid transactions and organised fake refunds that were deposited into his own account. 

In court on Monday, the fraud continued to unravel as Lawson’s colleague and partner was sentenced for her part in stealing just under $10,000. 

Heidi McKinnon, 24, joined Riverina Party Hire in March 2014, after she was promoted from clerk to officer manager from its Inverell office. 

McKinnon became involved in the fraud in July, inputting $0 to balance the register on several occasions before placing the money into Lawson’s or her own bank account. 

McKinnon, who pleaded guilty to 12 counts of dishonestly obtaining advantage by financial deception, also took several cash payments for various events.

While some entries were made in a diary, the records were later covered in white-out. 

Solicitor Zac Tankard, who represented McKinnon, told the court Lawson had “done a good job” on his client, who was manipulated and subject to significant psychological abuse. 

Pregnant with Lawson’s child during some of the offences, Mr Tankard said McKinnon had apologised and since repaid an agreed amount to her employer.

McKinnon was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service. Lawson was sentenced to a 15-month intensive corrections order.