Ex Leighton manager jailed for 15 years

A former finance manager at Australia-based Leighton Contractors has been jailed for 15 years after pleading guilty to stealing AU$ 20 million (US$ 21 million) from the company.

Damian O'Carrigan set up a fake company which sent false invoices to Leighton, allowing him to steal the money over a 12 year period starting in 1999.

He pleaded guilty in the District Court in Brisbane, Queensland, last year. Sentencing, Judge Samios said Leighton may be able to recover up to AU$ 4 million (US$ 4.2 million) of the stolen money.

The scam was stopped in October last year when Leighton began a cost-cutting drive and discovered the sham invoice arrangement.