Peta Kristy Simkin: Bank fraudster who stole tens of thousands from NAB Northampton customers dodges jail

A former National Australia Bank employee who stole tens of thousands of dollars from customers’ accounts to pay off debts has been spared jail and handed a suspended term. Peta Kristy Simkin faced Geraldton Magistrate’s Court for sentencing over the thefts at the Northampton branch, which happened between October 2019 and April last year. The 45-year-old’s lawyer George Giudice told the court yesterday that she had found herself drowning in debt from her Binnu farm and felt she “had no other options”. The 1663ha farm was in significant debt and Simkin had been trying to sell it for five years before her bank warned that it would no longer extend credit. Prosecutors outlined how Simkin “abused” her NAB employee credentials on 10 occasions to transfer money to the accounts of family members. “Over seven months she transferred $41,000, which she used to pay off personal debts,” Sgt Dean Solman said. Simkin was originally charged with 19 stealing offences, which was reduced to 10 as part of a plea deal in February. She was silent in court yesterday, wiping tears away as Mr Giudice referenced a psychological report that found the offending occurred during a period of heightened anxiety, stress and depression. In sentencing, Magistrate Chris Miocevich told Simkin that she had “abused” her position but had shown genuine remorse and co-operated with investigators. “Yours was a situation many people unfortunately find themselves in,” he said. “You couldn’t see any other way out of it. It doesn’t excuse your behaviour but it does explain it.” Mr Miocevich found Simkin was at a low risk of reoffending but said he needed to deter others and send the message that the courts “will not go easy” on this type of crime. Simkin was sentenced to a nine month jail, suspended for nine months, and ordered to pay $118.50 in court costs. There was no order for restitution because Simkin had repaid the stolen money. NAB executive group investigations and fraud leader Chris Sheehan said Simkin’s employment at the bank had been terminated. “NAB has zero tolerance for any criminal activity,” he said. Mr Sheehan said there had been no financial loss to customers.