It's been revealed fake $50 notes which were used to pay for goods around Port Stephens were such excellent forgeries, no-one suspected they were counterfeit.
In a bizarre twist to the story, the 41-year-old man who used the phoney cash could avoid a full time gaol sentence because he confessed to the crime of his own accord to unknowing authorities.
Terry Lee Johns handed himself in at Raymond Terrace Police Station on Monday after using the fake 50's to buy alcohol, soft drink and t-shirts the day before - he also admitted to handing over 6 notes at the Maitland Show.
Despite pleading guilty to the crime, being on bail and a good behaviour bond, he may avoid gaol time because owned up before police knew anything about it.
John's solicitor told Raymond Terrace Local Court his client could be entitled to the so-called Ellis Discount, which can lead to a significant sentencing reduction when an offender voluntarily discloses a crime to unknowing authorities.
