A gambling addict has walked free despite admitting he stole tens of thousands of dollars from an online fundraiser billed as support for the family of a murdered woman.
Lachlan Morganti, 26, returned to the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Tuesday, a week after pleading guilty to a single charge of theft.
He was supported by his family and partner when magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz sentenced him to a two-year community corrections order and 400 hours of unpaid work.
The 26-year-old nodded his head in agreement.
The court was told Morganti had set up a GoFundMe to support the family of woman allegedly murdered Hannah McGuire on April 5 this year.
He had met the family, who managed the National Hotel in Clunes, through their support of the Clunes Cricket Club where he played.
“Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold,” the fundraiser said.
“All proceeds will go towards funeral costs and other expenses the family may need during this difficult time.”
Lachlan Morganti 26, (photo) was sentenced to two years’ community service with treatment and unpaid work
Hannah McGuire (pictured) was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend Lachlan Young in April
The GoFundMe surpassed its original goal of $15,000 in four days, raising more than $64,000 from generous community donations.
The money was deposited into Morganti’s bank account on April 24, but he started gambling with it almost immediately and lost the entire amount within four to five days.
After his arrest, Morganti told police he had an “uncontrollable” gambling addiction and justified this internally by believing he would only use a small portion to pay off his mounting gambling debts.
Morganti confessed the loss to Ms McGuire’s mother, Debbie, the following month and she reported the incident to police.
“I accept that the creation of the GoFundMe was intended as an altruistic act, that it was intended as a selfless act for the benefit of the grieving McGuire family,” Ms Mykytowycz said.
“However, the temptation to use this money to repay previous debts became overwhelming and self-indulgent.”
The court was previously told that GoFundMe had promised to reimburse donors, but the McGuire family had received nothing.
Hannah McGuire’s parents, Debbie and Glenn McGuire (pictured), arrive in court Tuesday for Morganti’s sentencing
Morganti knew the McGuire family who manage The National Hotel (pictured) in Clunes
In a statement to the court, Debbie McGuire said it was important to note that no one from their family had asked for support or that Morganti wanted to start the GoFundMe.
She said Morganti had the “audacity” to attend Hannah’s funeral along with people whose contributions he stole.
“Not only did the suspect betray our trust, but he had complete disregard for the trust and generosity of an entire community,” she said.
Last week, Morganti’s lawyer said Morganti was deeply and sincerely remorseful but had experienced significant mental health problems and was self-medicating with gambling and alcohol.
“At first he tried to do the right thing, but it escalated to a point of no return,” she said.
His defense called for a sentence that did not include jail time, but police argued that jail time was open for the “deplorable” crime.
Morganti (pictured) will have to undergo alcohol and gambling addiction treatment and mental health treatment, as well as 400 hours of unpaid community service
Hannah’s ex-boyfriend, Lachlan Young, 22, formally pleaded not guilty to murder last month (the couple are pictured outside a property they bought together)
Hannah’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 month and opted to have his case fast-tracked to the Victorian Supreme Court.
He will appear in court later this month.