Instagram influencer admits identity theft to aid drug dealer

An Instagram influencer has admitted using her job at a government health agency to help a drug dealer obtain mobile phones through identity theft.

Jaylie Tori Bonow, 28, pleaded guilty in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday to one count of obtaining identification information to facilitate an offence and one count of using a restricted computer without consent.

Bonow, appearing via phone from Western Australia, admitted using Queensland Health’s computer system while she was working in payroll services to obtain the details of three drivers’ licences.

The court previously was told Bonow obtained copies of the licences on August 24, 2017 for her then-boyfriend to use them to obtain mobile phones for his alleged drug dealing business.

Police prosecutor Laura Cook said Bonow had engaged in “very dishonest offending” but had also confessed to both her employer and police before any investigation.

“Whilst they are serious charges, a good behaviour bond or substantial fine would serve as a deterrent,” Ms Cook said.

Magistrate Ross Mack said Bonow’s offending was too serious for a good behaviour bond as it “goes to the heart of the integrity” of privacy protections in the health system.

“So much information is digitally stored and with that convenience a responsibility follows that it should be protected,” Mr Mack said.

Defence lawyer Chelsea Waters said Bonow had been young at the time of offending, had derived no benefit and had been in an abusive relationship.