Sharks fan faces another 22 charges

CRONULLA'S most notorious fan, Clint Elford, faces a further 22 charges of creating fake medical and legal documents in order to defraud life insurance companies. Elford, of Goulburn, became a key player in the Sharks' nightmare season when it was revealed he had given then chief executive Tony Zappia $30,000 to help the struggling club. Zappia did not tell the club about the money, which is alleged to be the proceeds of crime. Elford allegedly obtained the funds by fraudulently convincing an insurance company he had a terminal illness. Elford, 27, made another brief appearance in Goulburn Local Court yesterday via video link from Goulburn jail. It is alleged he defrauded $525,000 from American International Assurance Company (Australia) Ltd and dealt with that money knowing it was the proceeds of crime. It is also alleged Elford made false statements to try to claim $1.5 million from Allianz Australia Life Insurance Ltd. In total, he faces 29 charges related to making fraudulent insurance claims using false medical and legal documents. Elford has also been charged with writing a letter threatening grievous bodily harm to Zappia. The letter, intercepted by Goulburn Corrective Services staff, was destined for a man with links to the Rebels motorcycle gang, it was alleged. "I don't want him permanently hurt but he needs to be taught a lesson," the letter allegedly says. Elford's parents, Graham and Lesley Elford, have been charged with recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime, and all three will appear in Goulburn Local Court again on January 27.

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