A Malaysian man who committed a fraudulent offence at TAB Bunbury has been ordered to pay back his victim.
Yap Vui Lock faced Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 1 and pleaded guilty to gaining benefits by fraud.
Brought in via custody, Vui Lock required a translator during last week's court proceedings.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Darren Clifton told the court Vui Lock and his victim were seen at Parks Centre Tavern, Carey Park, on Monday, June 26.
Vui Lock accessed the victim's TAB account details, including the pin code.
Later that day, Vui Lock visited the Highway Hotel and logged into the victim's account.
After withdrawing $650 from the account through a TAB ticket printout, he entered TAB Bunbury on George Street, presented the ticket, and received $650 in cash.
While being interviewed by police, Vui Lock admitted to committing the offence.
"My friend told me to do it," Vui Lock told police.
Defence lawyer Ntuthuko Mcingolwane said his client had accepted the facts as stated.
According to Mr Mcingolwane, Vui Lock was aware the account did not belong to his friend.
"His friend was the architect of the offence," Mr Mcingolwane said.
The court heard that Vui Lock - currently employed as a chef at a Chinese restaurant - was in a position to pay fines.
It is believed he will soon be going back to Malaysia.
Taking Vui Lock's early guilty plea and personal circumstances into account, Magistrate Evan Shackleton handed down a $700 fine.
Vui Lock will remain in custody for one month or until the fine is paid.
