Farmer fined $500,000 gets three-year suspended sentence for lottery scamming

A St Ann farmer was today fined $500,000 and given a three-year suspended sentence for his involvement in the lottery scam.

This means he will not be sent to prison now, but he will if he commits another crime in the period.

Dennis Palmer, 45, was convicted last September for possession of identity information.

He was held with 49 lead sheets and other documents containing the names of scores of potential victims.

High Court judge, Justice David Fraser indicated, before announcing the sentence, that the offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison in addition to a fine.

But while noting the "significant negative impact" the lottery scam is having on the nation and how it has grown into one of the most prevalent crimes, Justice Fraser showed compassion for Fraser because he is suffering from a life-threatening illness.

"The probation officer opined that you committed this offence because of greed as you had a viable alternative," the judge said, making reference to Palmer's animal-rearing business.

However, Fraser said he took into account a medical report that Palmer's illness is about to re-occur and that his treatment will require frequent follow-up visits to the doctor.