High end Noosa restaurant swindled out of $750K

The Maroochydore District Court has been told that an employee of ritzy Noosa restaurant Bistro C defrauded the business out of $$768,888.82.

Jodi Louise Nuske is accused of the theft of the money after the restaurant owner refused to give her a $100,000 loan.

Nuske has pleaded not guilty.

Bistro C owner Lorraine Banks was the first witness for the prosecution and told the court that because she was “not very good with numbers” or technology, Nuske, who was employed as a business and finance manager had “full control” of the business.

Nuske had worked at the restaurant for 18 years and had power of attorney over Banks’ will due to the previous close relationship.

“I treated her like one of my own daughters,” Banks said.

“I completely trusted her.”

The friendship was shattered when Banks asked her bank manager to look into the company accounts and found several transactions to Nuske’s personal accounts, credit cards and other personal invoices.

Transactions included school fees, rates for her Noosaville home and new furniture.

Nuske initially denied the claims of theft Banks aimed at her; however she then allegedly broke down and offered to pay the money back.

Not knowing how much was owed, Banks declined the offer.

Nuske’s employment was terminated immediately and she was given three months to repay the money.

Jonathan Jackson - 8-12-22