Former Brisbane financial adviser Ben Jayaweera, whose Growth Plus Financial Group is now in liquidation, has been sentenced to 12 years’ jail.

In the District Court this week, Jayaweera was found guilty of 28 fraud offences, costing 12 former clients $5,958,870 in total.

Loading

In sentencing, Judge Tony Moynihan KC described Jayaweera’s conduct as “brazen, gross, and callous,” saying his actions were “not only criminal but evil, demonstrating no remorse”.

Jayaweera had previously been found guilty of fraud, and sentenced to 12 years’ jail, but won his appeal in 2022 and was granted a retrial.

Australian Securities and Investments Commission deputy chair Sarah Court said, “ASIC is committed to pursuing criminals who commit serious harm against individuals and act dishonestly”.