Timothy Peter Smith, a former Northern Beaches real estate agent previously convicted of fraud and battling a cocaine addiction, is now accused of leaving a Dee Why burger shop with an unpaid bill of $1,246.50. The owner of the establishment, who is also a software engineer, claims that Smith provided a fake bank transfer receipt when confronted about the debt.
According to the owner, the purported receipt contained editable metadata and inconsistencies in font, size, and color, leading him to conclude it was fraudulent. Legal action has reportedly been initiated to recover the alleged debt. Smith's response to the owner was reportedly, "Well done mate... Happy I am truthful."
Smith, 37, had been a regular at the burger joint, where his American girlfriend Kiana had previously managed the venue. Allegations suggest he would sometimes claim to be the owner and solicit investments from other diners. This latest accusation comes just two months after Smith was reportedly back in court for breaching bail conditions.
His past legal troubles include multiple apprehended violence orders (AVOs) with allegations of assault, intimidation, and property damage. In May, he was charged with breaching bail related to a police operation targeting domestic and family violence offenders. He admitted to breaching a condition regarding his residential address but remained on bail under stricter terms. He has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges.
Smith's real estate career collapsed after he was found to have defrauded four clients out of more than $31,000 by tricking them into depositing funds into his personal accounts instead of official company accounts. He was convicted of fraud and using false documents, leading to a 15-month intensive correction order. At the time of his fraud conviction, he cited a severe cocaine addiction that had become "out of control" as a reason for quitting his job.