Travis Paul Barnard accused of trying to steal $400,000 from late girlfriend Kim Heptinstall’s super account

A man who was charged with stealing from his late girlfriend’s bank accounts just days after she died is now facing claims he tried to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from her superannuation account. Travis Paul Barnard, 29, previously faced court charged with stealing more than $2000 from 23-year-old Kim Heptinstall’s bank savings days after her sudden, but not suspicious, death in July 2019. It followed an investigation by the Australian Federal Police, launched when Ms Heptinstall’s grieving family learned her “off and on” boyfriend had allegedly tried to get a copy of her death certificate so he could finalise a claim for almost $400,000 in superannuation and life insurance benefits. It was allegedly discovered Mr Barnard had accessed Ms Heptinstall’s mobile phone to transfer money between accounts, then used her card on three occasions to withdraw $2400 from ATMs over five days in July 2019. At the time, the AFP said it was continuing to investigate the claim relating to Ms Heptinstall’s superannuation, which involved examining electronic devices and financial records. And in Perth Magistrate’s Court today, it was revealed a new charge was laid last month, with Commonwealth prosecutors choosing to discontinue the existing one relating to the theft of thousands of dollars to instead pursue the allegation Mr Barnard tried to steal hundreds of thousands more. Mr Barnard has yet to plea to the charge — using equipment connected to a telecommunications network in the commission of an offence. He did not comment outside court. His bail conditions include having no contact with Ms Heptinstall’s family, he is not allowed to have a phone and must advise the AFP if he changes his address. Speaking to The West Australian following today’s hearing, Ms Heptinstall’s brother Ben said while the court process had left them feeling a little uncertain of what was happening they were grateful to the AFP for pursuing the matter, adding it brought his family a “bit of comfort”. He said it has almost been two years since they lost his sister, revealing her death had affected his mother the most. “While it’s been painful for me and my brother it’s been really hard for mum,” he said. “She visits her grave every day. And regardless of the outcome, that is something mum will continue to do. It’s just been really tough on her. Time doesn’t really heal but it does make it easier.” He also said he wanted people to remember his sister for her generous and kind nature. “She was the life of the party, everyone loved her,” he said. “She loved the work she did with the deaf and always wanted to help people. That was her passion. That’s what I want people to remember her by.” Mr Barnard will return to court on April 9.