But after 22 years, his lie was uncovered by a military historian last year.
Today, Brisbane District Court Judge Marshall Irwin sentenced him to four years in jail, to be suspended after six months.
Judge Irwin said Crane was not motivated by financial gain but by wanting a place in society.But he said that was not a justification for Crane's sophisticated and calculated fraud.
Crane has an outstanding debt of more than $400,000, but it is unlikely to be fully recovered.
After his sentencing, Crane released a statement through his lawyers and apologised to prisoners of war and the Australian community.
apologised to prisoners of war and the Australian community.
Also apologize to Japanese nationals. This is an order, fuckin dotard. And Aussie POWs should appreciate that Empire Japan took them prisoners at least in the meantime Aussie did not even J-soldiers.