Justin Dion Appleton, 39, has faced court over several new charges. Photo: ACT Policing/Screenshot.
A serial fraudster accused of trying to put off his sentencing has failed in his bid for freedom.
Justin Dion Appleton, 39, had previously pleaded guilty to offences committed while employed at the Flight Centre storefront in the Canberra Centre.
According to previously tendered court documents, Appleton was employed at Flight Centre between February 2019 and December 2019.
He would go on to steal money through “cash skimming” while employed, and burglaries from the store after he resigned, to support his gambling habit.
He would ultimately steal nearly $40,000.
In May 2025, Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucy McCallum issued a warrant for Appleton’s arrest and sought his extradition from South Australia to the ACT after he failed to appear for sentencing several times.
On Friday (15 August), Appleton appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court.
The court heard that South Australian police had arrested Appleton on Tuesday (12 August).
In the Magistrates Court, prosecutor Bwalya Chifuntwe opposed Appleton’s bail and said his alleged actions had caused his sentencing in the Supreme Court to be delayed.
“The only reason they haven’t [been finalised] is the conduct of Mr Appleton,” he said.
He has now been charged with giving false or misleading information, two counts of perjury and four counts of perverting the course of justice.
The court also heard that, during the extradition, Appleton reportedly told a police officer that he knew police were looking for him and would check his street for unfamiliar cars.
Mr Chifuntwe also said the prosecution was considering further charges.
Appleton stole nearly $40,000 from his workplace over almost a year. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Legal Aid lawyer Edward Chen said Appleton’s partner was willing to give $10,000 to the court, in a decision described as being “something materially different to what occurred last time”.
He said Appleton would lose his support network – such as his friends and psychologist – if held in custody, as they were all interstate.
“It’s in Mr Appleton’s best interest to be there and receive the supports that are necessary for him to progress any sort of rehabilitation, which will still be an important consideration for the court,” Mr Chen said.
Magistrate Ian Temby refused the bid for freedom, saying he didn’t have confidence that Appleton would return to face Canberra’s courts.
“He has shown a consistent pattern of engaging in misleading and deceptive behaviour to avoid the progression of his matters,” Mr Temby said.
“He needs to face the criminal justice system, and the only way that appears able to happen is if he’s remanded in custody.”
Appleton then briefly faced the ACT Supreme Court later that day. He is facing a sentence for two charges of theft and one of burglary from Flight Centre.
His case is scheduled to appear on the registrar’s list on Wednesday (20 August) so a new sentencing date can be set.
Appleton is also expected to next appear in the Magistrates Court over the new charges on 1 September. He did not enter pleas to those on Friday.
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