Where a jury acquits on a circumstance of aggravation (value exceeding $30,000) but convicts on fraud simpliciter and on related counts, the verdicts are not inconsistent if there is a rational basis on which the jury could have differentiated between the transactions — for example, by accepting that the accused had some entitlement to overtime payments, thereby reducing the dishonest amount below the aggravation threshold while remaining satisfied of guilt on the underlying fraud charges. A sentence of five years imprisonment for employee fraud totalling approximately $77,400 committed over 12 months by a bookkeeper who showed no remorse, persisted in denial at trial, and could make no restitution is within the range of comparable sentences.
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