Shaun Tierney of Barwang Street, Young was convicted in his absence in Young Local Court in December for dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.

According to police facts tendered in court, the 25-year-old had attracted a buyer for his mobile phone on December 17, 2013, where the victim deposited $650 into his account.

Two days later Tierney told the buyer the money had cleared and he was sending the phone by express post.

The victim requested the postal tracking number but Tierney didn’t reply.

The victim attempted to call Tierney on December 20 but the phone had been disconnected.

He had no more contact with Tierney and never received the iPhone.

Police enquiries into Tierney’s bank statements revealed there was an ATM withdrawal in Boorowa Street, Young for $640 the day after the offence.

A police search located Tierney in Young a year and a half later on June 28 last year.

Magistrate Peter Dare SC fined Tierney $500 and ordered him to pay $650 in compensation.