‘A total disgrace’: Builder facing prison after allegedly scamming $1.3 million from bushfire victims

A builder who allegedly preyed on vulnerable Black Summer bushfire victims has been confronted outside court after pleading guilty to a massive $1.3 million fraud scheme.

Glenn Stevenson allegedly left families devastated after promising to construct fire-resistant, underground “Hobbit Homes” following the catastrophic 2019 New Year’s Eve bushfires in rural NSW.

Among his alleged victims are Margot and Richard Bruinsma, who lost their home and work shed to the flames.

Desperate to rebuild, the couple contracted Stevenson's company, Green Magic Homes, to construct two dwellings — one to live in and another for their business. Instead, Stevenson allegedly took their money and ran.

"Basically he used our machinery, dug a hole in the ground, got a progress payment of $387,000, and later on, we still just have two holes in the ground," Margot said. 

"Emotionally, I'm a mess."

Margot and Richard's frustration is compounded by what they say are systemic failures. NSW Fair Trading granted Stevenson a contractor's licence despite a history of complaints, penalty notices, and prior fraud convictions.

"If he hadn't had that building licence, I would not have had him as a builder," Margot explained. 

"Fair Trading is there to protect people like me. They're using our taxpayers' money to run their business and they're not held accountable."

While Fair Trading cancelled his licence in 2022, Margot's application for an Act of Grace compensation payment was rejected.

When ACA confronted Stevenson outside court, the builder responded with "you are leeches" while dodging questions about the missing funds.

The court heard that Stevenson claims to be bankrupt, suffers from chronic pain, and now survives on a disability support pension. 

His defence team argued he requires time to care for his wife, who injured her big toe, and noted he has written a letter of apology.

The prosecution is pushing for compensation orders while preparing to cross-examine Stevenson's psychiatrist ahead of sentencing.

For victims like Margot, an apology falls far short of justice.

"He gets to live in his nice house and I still don't," she said. "I've got three grandkids that live with me. It's not only my life affected—it's everybody's."

Stevenson remains awaiting final sentencing by the judge.