A former WA shire chief executive, who used thousands of dollars of council funds for sexual services, has been handed a two-year prison term.
Gavin Charles Pollock was the Ravensthorpe CEO when he authorised more than $54,000 to be sent to a sex worker in 2020 and 2021.
The money was purportedly for administrative and research assistance, and budget support, but the court was told the funds were essentially used for Pollock's "own sexual gratification".
Pollock was charged after an investigation by the Corruption and Crime Commission.
Community trust 'damaged'
District Court Judge Christopher Stevenson said Pollock's actions constituted a "gross breach of trust".
He said they involved significant amounts of funds provided on a "drip feed" process in seven transactions.
The community's trust in public service "had been damaged", Judge Stevenson told the court.
But he said he was satisfied from psychological reports the reasons for Pollock's offending went back to his formative years.
The court heard Pollock was not encouraged to discuss "personal issues" as a child and this had affected him.
The judge accepted the job of Ravensthorpe CEO was onerous and stressful, but said Pollock had offended through a "sense of entitlement".
Pollock now 'horrified' by offences
The court heard Pollock believed he was entitled to the funds because he had worked overtime that he was not paid for, due to staff shortages.
His lawyer Kylie Ferridge said her client worked very long hours, and this was "unhealthy and unsustainable".
She told the court there was "no escape whatsoever" from the pressures, and this led to poor decision making.
Ms Ferridge added that part of the reason for spending the money was a concern the funds may not be in the budget for administrative support in the following year if they were not used.
She said Pollock had changed his life and was now "horrified" by his actions.
He had also repaid the $54,850 earlier this year.
Pollock, who's now 44, was given a sentencing discount for pleading guilty at an early opportunity.
The judge said while he was satisfied Pollock would not reoffend, there was a need for general deterrence.
He will have to serve one year behind bars before being eligible for parole.
