- Lachlan Morganti, 22, allegedly stole GoFundMe
- The cash was for the alleged domestic violence murder victim, Hannah McGuire.
The man accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a fundraiser for the allegedly murdered Hannah McGuire asked a court for more time while his attorney reviews the case.
Lachlan Morganti, 22, appeared briefly in Ballarat Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon as his lawyer requested an adjournment of the court.
He said he had only received the full brief of evidence against Morganti about an hour earlier and had been “reviewing” the case but would need more time.
The lawyer said she would request additional documents from police, including the recording of her interview and bank statements.
Ms. McGuire’s mother, Debbie, watched the hearing from a distance.
The request was granted by Magistrate Guillaume Bailin and the defendant was released on bail and will return to court in August.
According to court documents, police allege Morganti stole more than $64,000 in cash intended for Debbie between April 25 and April 30.
Lachlan Morganti, 22, appeared briefly in Ballarat Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon when his lawyer asked the court for an adjournment.
Hannah McGuire was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend in early April 2024
Hannah’s body was found in a burnt-out car near State Forest Rd outside Ballarat on April 5, with her ex-boyfriend, Lachlan Young, 21, charged with her murder.
Days after the assistant teacher’s death, Clunes Cricket Club set up a GoFundMe to support the 23-year-old’s family, reportedly involving Mr Morganti.
Mr Morganti, of Winter Valley in the western suburbs of Ballarat, was released on bail after being charged with a single count of robbery on June 3.
Locals in Ballarat are understood to be furious at the allegations and have cut off all contact with him after he was charged.
In a statement last month, GoFundMe said it would refund all donors to the fundraiser.
(tags to translate)dailymail