Greedy thief stole $64k from fundraiser

A gambling addict has admitted he stole tens of thousands of dollars from a fundraiser earmarked to support the family of an allegedly murdered woman.

Lachlan Morganti, 27, was supported by his partner and family as he returned before the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to a single charge of theft.

The court was told Morganti became acquainted with Hannah McGuire’s parents, who owned the local hotel, through their financial support of the Clunes Cricket Club.

He set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe on April 5 after hearing of her alleged murder, smashing the initial fundraiser goal of $15,000 in four days.

“This was exceeded three-fold to more than $64,000 through generous donations,” a police prosecutor said.

“Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold,” the fundraiser read.

“All proceeds will go towards funeral costs and other expenses the family may need during this tough time.”

The court was told Morganti received $64,400 on April 25 but lost almost the entire amount gambling on betting apps in a four to five-day period.

He transferred two $1,500 payments to two associates, who alerted police after he was charged.

Morganti confessed the loss to Ms McGuire’s mother, Debbie, who reported the incident to police.

Morganti told police he had an “uncontrollable” gambling addiction and initially only gabled a little hoping to win and pay off significant debts.

The unemployed man then continued hoping to replace the money he’d taken.

In a statement, Debbie McGuire said Morganti’s actions had compounded the trauma of losing her daughter in the most tragic of circumstances.

“Not only did the accused violate our trust, but he had a complete disregard of the trust and generosity of an entire community,” she said.

She said Morganti had the “audacity” to attend Ms McGuire’s funeral among many of those whose contributions he had stolen.

Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz said the offending was “one of the most self-indulgent acts of greed” she had ever had to deal with.

“Particularly in a rural community that through the course of this year has seen three women (allegedly) murdered.”

Morganti’s lawyer, Ms Powell, told the court her client “readily concedes” the trauma his actions had on Ms McGuire’s family and broader community.

She told he was drowning under payday loans to meet gambling debts, even electing to withdraw $10,000 from his super to pay these down.

He gambled the full amount in a single day, she said.

Ms Powell said her client had been experiencing significant mental health problems and was self-medicating with gambling and alcohol.

“He tried to do the right thing initially but it escalated beyond the point of no return,” she said.

“This is seriously offending but I would ask the court to give Mr Morganti a chance to remain in the community.”

Prosecutors called for a jail sentence, saying while the idea of creating a GoFundMe was “commendable” Morganti’s theft was “deplorable”.

Magistrate Mykytowycz will sentence Morganti next week.

Hannah McGuire’s body was found by emergency services in a burnt-out car near State Forest Rd on the outskirts of Ballarat on April 5.

Her ex-boyfriend, Lachlan Young, 22, formally pleaded not guilty to murder last week and elected to fast-track his case to the Victorian Supreme Court for trial.

He will next appear in court in October.