Next steps for alleged GoFundMe thief
The man accused of pilfering tens of thousands of dollars from a fundraiser for allegedly murdered woman Hannah McGuire has asked a court for more time as his lawyer reviews the case.
Lachlan Morganti, 22, appeared briefly in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon as his lawyer asked the court for an adjournment.
She said she had only received the full brief of evidence against Mr Morganti about an hour earlier and had been “reviewing” the case but would need more time.
The lawyer said she would be requesting additional documents from police, including the recording of his interview and bank statements.
Ms McGuire’s mother, Debbie, watched the hearing remotely.
The application was granted by magistrate Guillaume Bailin, with the accused man bailed to return to court in August.
According to court documents, police allege Mr Morganti stole more than $64,000 of cash earmarked for Debbie between April 25 and 30.
Hannah’s body was located in a burnt-out car near State Forest Rd on the outskirts of Ballarat on April 5, with her ex-boyfriend, Lachlan Young, 21, accused of murder.
Days after the teacher’s aide’s death, a GoFundMe was set up to support the 23-year-old’s family by the Clunes Cricket Club, allegedly with Mr Morganti’s involvement.
Mr Morganti, of Winter Valley in Ballarat's western suburbs, was bailed after he was charged with a single count of theft on June 3.
In a statement last month, GoFundMe said it would refund all donors to the fundraiser.
