The former boss of Sydney Ferries has been jailed for using his work credit card to splurge on cars, holidays and renovations.

A new South Wales judge said former Sydney Ferries CEO Geoff Smith “knew full well at all times” that he was committing fraud as he racked up payments for two BMW cars, holidays a new pool and landscaping at his home in St Ives.

Smith pleaded guilty after spending more than $200,000 padding-out his lifestyle.

“The offender is a man of great talent, who in my opinion regarded himself as being entitled to do what he did,” the judge said.

He has been sentenced to three years and four months jail with a non-parole period of 18 months.

Justice Michael Finnane expressed some discontent at the Crown’s decision only to prosecute offences related to one particular credit card. There had been some indication that Smith was engaging in the same behaviour on a similar card before 2008.

“I must accept that he committed no offence before 2008,” Justice Finnane said, bound by law to look no further.