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ABC News
Business
court reporter Jamelle Wells

Guy Sebastian's former manager Titus Day jailed for embezzling $600,000 from singer

Guy Sebastian's former manager, Titus Day, has been jailed for four years after embezzling more than $600,000 from the singer.

A NSW District Court jury earlier this year found him guilty of 34 charges, but acquitted him on 13 others, after Sebastian claimed he was owed more than $900,000.

Day misappropriated some of the money Sebastian earned for supporting Taylor Swift in 2013, for performance fees for private weddings, and money for an ambassadorship of a theme park.

He was also found guilty of taking $200,000 of Sebastian's royalties.

Day, who has been on bail up until Thursday fought back tears and hugged his supporters in the court, before officers led him away.

In handing down his sentence, Judge Tim Gartelmann said each charge carried a maximum of 10 years in jail.

He jailed Day for four years with a non-parole period of two years.

He said the offences were in breach of trust, but did not involve any significant planning.

"The seriousness of the offences vary largely according to the amounts involved," the judge said.

Judge Gartelmann noted Day's previous good character and that he had no prior convictions, and said the publicity around the case had destroyed his business.

"His reputation has been damaged and will never be restored," the judge told the court.

"There is no evidence of remorse as the offender maintains his innocence.

"The likelihood of his reoffending is low."

Titus Day managed Sebastian for more than a decade before their bitter break up over money in 2017.

Crown Prosecutor David Morters SC had argued for a custodial sentence.

"The complainant put his trust in his manager and largely relied on the offender to properly account for the money," Mr Morters previously told the court.

Defence barrister, Dominic Toomey, had submitted glowing testimonials from other clients including singer-songwriter Tina Arena who said she trusted Day 'implicitly'.

In 2009, Day poached Sebastian for his own breakaway management company, 6 Degrees.

Their professional relationship continued until November 2017, when it ended with hostility.

During the trial that ran for almost two months, the court heard evidence from Sebastian that Day controlled almost every aspect of his professional affairs, including contracts.

The trial was plagued by delays, including the death of the first judge, Peter Zahra SC, and some jurors becoming ill.

The singer also contracted COVID-19 during the proceedings.

Day has previously indicated a desire to appeal his conviction.

Sebastian was not in court on Thursday. 

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