A former workers’ compensation service manager has been jailed for stealing more than $330,000 from her employer QBE by creating false claims.

Keira Meldrum Robinson was sentenced in Perth yesterday after pleading guilty to “stealing as a servant”.

Judge Felicity Zempilas said the offending across two years involved a significant breach of trust and was relatively sophisticated, deliberate and planned.

“The seriousness of the offending is such that only a sentence of imprisonment is the appropriate penalty,” Judge Zempilas said.

Robinson was jailed for two years and six months, and will be eligible for parole after at least 15 months.

The WA District Court heard that between December 15 2022 and December 27 2024, Robinson created 16 false workers’ compensation claims via QBE’s computer system, using the profiles of historical claimants or current policyholders.

On two occasions, she sent emails purporting to be from claimants to her QBE inbox, to make the claims appear legitimate.

Robinson instructed team members to approve the claims and process payments, with 15 settlements paid into bank accounts held by or accessible to her. Another payment was made to Tesla Motors Australia for a vehicle later registered in her husband’s name.

QBE discovered the crime after a broker complained his client had received a remittance notice for a payment they had not requested or received.

Two more suspicious payments were identified, the matter was referred to QBE investigators and the extent of the offending was uncovered. In total, $333,416 was stolen.

Judge Zempilas said Robinson has surrendered the Tesla and outstanding matters have been resolved with QBE “pursuant to a civil claim”.

The court heard Robinson, 39, moved to Perth with her husband in 2022. The couple have sons aged 15, 12 and seven.

The offending occurred during a time of financial and emotional strain, as Robinson’s alcohol use escalated and mental health deteriorated.

Judge Zempilas noted the early guilty plea, remorse, lack of prior record, rehabilitation prospects and other personal factors in reducing the sentence from a maximum 10 years.

QBE today said it “respects the judicial process and, given the nature of the proceedings, will not be providing further comment.

“QBE confirms that no customer impacts were identified in relation to this matter.”

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