AFL umpire is caught out telling a stunning lie about his mother after dodging court AGAIN for allegedly masterminding $8.7million scam
Proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria have escalated against former AFL umpire Troy Pannell, who faces serious allegations of civil fraud totalling $8.7million.
The court was again forced to issue an arrest warrant after Pannell failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on Friday, marking his second absence in relation to the case brought by his former employer, SeaRoad Shipping.
Justice Andrew Watson, presiding over the matter, noted with concern the repeat non-appearance and authorised the warrant late Friday.
That same evening, Pannell was involved in a serious single-vehicle crash in western Victoria, reportedly colliding with a tree.
He remains in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after undergoing emergency surgery.
Police had been monitoring Pannell’s movements amid suspicions he had been in South Australia, potentially to avoid court proceedings, and there are fears he may attempt to flee overseas.
Troy Pannell officiates an AFL match before allegations of a multimillion-dollar fraud came to light
Pannell is facing allegations brought by his former employer SeaRoad Shipping
Pannell stands accused of orchestrating a prolonged scheme involving a company called Independent Container Surveyors & Assessors (ICSA).
SeaRoad Shipping alleges the entity was used to generate thousands of fake invoices for container repair services that were never provided between 2015 and 2024.
Court documents tendered state Pannell had sole authority over the approval of purchase orders, and used this position to process fraudulent payments to ICSA.
In evidence tendered to the court, SeaRoad’s legal team referred to numerous emails and financial documents suggesting Pannell was under financial pressure in the months leading up to the revelations.
These included an email sent to his wife, Lynise Woodgate, in October 2023, with the subject line ‘Love U,’ in which he apologised, stating: ‘I’m so sorry for everything… I would not feel the way I do today.’
Further documents tendered showed Pannell and Ms Woodgate applied to extend their $100,000 home loan with Westpac in January 2024, submitting a breakdown of living expenses and personal financial details.
Among the documents were statements relating to their family home, purchased in 2016 for $810,000 with an estimated $600,000 still owed, and an investment property in St Kilda generating rental income.
It is not suggested that Ms Woodgate was involved in any of the alleged fraudulent conduct. In statements to investigators, she said the pair are now estranged and that she had no knowledge of the transactions under investigation.
Pannell’s mother confirmed she was alive despite his previous claim to the contrary at work
Police issued an arrest warrant after Pannell missed court twice in the $8.7million fraud case
In a bizarre twist, court documents tendered reveal that Pannell previously told SeaRoad that his mother had passed away. However, ABC Investigations confirmed that Mrs Pannell answered the phone at her Werribee home this week, very much alive.
Previous excuses provided by Pannell for failing to attend court have included striking a kangaroo with his vehicle.
An email sent to court staff on May 9, just 35 minutes after a scheduled appearance, claimed the collision had damaged his windscreen and indicator, and he was awaiting roadside assistance.
Police are now liaising with federal agencies, and SeaRoad’s legal counsel, Mr Jonathan B. Davis KC, has called for Pannell to be added to the Australian Federal Police watchlist.
‘Instead of going interstate, Mr Pannell could be in Bogota,’ Mr Davis told the court.
Emails found on a work-issued laptop also revealed that Mr Pannell had been preparing to sell two café businesses: Duck Duck Goose and Larder in Kyneton, and Common Galaxia in Seddon.
A sales brochure prepared by Paramount Business Brokers was submitted to the court as part of the evidence.
Pannell, who officiated 219 AFL matches between 2005 and 2018, previously served as president of the AFL Umpires’ Association.
The court adjourned the matter pending Pannell’s medical recovery and execution of the arrest warrant. Further proceedings will determine the extent of civil liability and whether criminal charges may follow.
