A former director of a financial advice company has been convicted of dishonest conduct.
In October 2014, Barry David Hassell of Athelstone, South Australia, pleaded guilty to 39 charges including dishonest conduct, providing ASIC with false or misleading information, and failing to provide a disclosure document to clients.
According to ASIC, Hassell’s misconduct occurred for more than seven years during his time as a director of B.D. & W.J. Hassell Pty Ltd and as a former authorised representative of a number of Australian financial services licensees. He provided advice to clients about life insurance and superannuation products.
Appearing in the Adelaide District Court, Hassell was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, to be released forthwith on his own recognisance of $100, to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months.
“Mr Hassell failed to act in the best interests of his clients. ASIC and the courts will not tolerate conduct that does not live up to community expectations,” ASIC Deputy Chairman
Peter Kell said.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted the matter.
