Former AMA boss conned by 'fictional characters'
A former Australian Medical Association president paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to support young gay men who were not real.
Details of how Dr David Weedon was duped were revealed in court after his former lover launched legal action in 2012.
Paul Williams reportedly received more than $1.2 million from Dr Weedon, who is also an Officer of the Order of Australia, after they first met and commenced a sexual relationship.
Williams tried to sue for damages, whilst Weedon counter-sued for fraud after his ex concocted characters like 'American Sam, 'Irish Paul' and 'Study Buddy David'.
Weedon said he believed he was paying to help with their study fees and living costs. He was also sent graphic sexual messages that appeared to be from the men.
Williams told the NSW District Court he invented the characters because Weedon had been "pressuring him to procure other young men to provide sexual favours to him", Fairfax reports.
The court found in Dr Weedon’s favour and Mr Williams has been ordered to pay almost half a million dollars to his former partner.
Morning news break – August 20
