Arabic version: ووسوب يدفع ببراءته من تهم احتيال

According to ABC News, Ankamuthi traditional owner Larry Joe Woosup has pleaded not guilty in Cairns District Court to two counts of fraud valued at $30,000 or more each. Crown prosecutors allege he dishonestly obtained more than $200,000 intended for the Ankamuthi community in Far North Queensland.

Crown prosecutor Christian Peters told the jury that Ankamuthi traditional owners, including Mr Woosup, had negotiated with mining company Gulf Alumina Limited over bauxite mining on Ankamuthi land. The parties later signed agreements for Gulf Alumina to pay the Ankamuthi people $350,000 in three payments, the court heard.

Prosecutors said Mr Woosup established a Commonwealth Bank account in 2014 in the name of the Ankamuthi people, with himself as the sole trustee and signatory. They allege he drew $110,000 from its overdraft between January 29 and February 10 that year, including $60,000 transferred to his personal account and $50,000 withdrawn in cash. The court was told he did not keep records of how the funds were spent.

The prosecution also said Gulf Alumina sent Mr Woosup a $95,000 cheque on February 24, 2014, which was deposited into a separate Queensland Country Credit Union trust account. Mr Peters alleged that nearly all of the money was withdrawn between February 27 and April 30, again without spending records.

Ankamuthi traditional owners who gave evidence said they did not receive money from Mr Woosup in 2014 under the Gulf Alumina deal. Accountant Kevin Wone told the court he was unaware of the trust accounts and did not receive $10,000 that Mr Woosup told police had been paid to him for accountancy fees. The trial before Judge Joshua Treviño KC is listed for more than six days.