Cricket star Lachlan Morganti fronts court charged with theft after he allegedly stole Gofundme appeal cash for tragic Hannah McGuire
A cricketer accused of stealing $64,541 from a GoFundMe project organized to raise money for the grieving family of alleged murder victim Hannah McGuire has appeared in court.
Lachlan Morganti, 26, appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with theft after allegedly stealing from a GoFundMe he organized on behalf of Clunes Cricket Club.
The case was adjourned until July 1 so Morganti’s attorney could obtain evidence from investigators.
Hannah McGuire’s loved ones were dealt another cruel blow after $65,000 was allegedly stolen from a GoFundMe raising money for her grief-stricken parents (Mrs McGuire pictured)
Lachlan Morganti, 26, (pictured left) has been charged with theft
The GoFundMe for Ms McGuire’s family has since been deleted (pictured)
Morganti, who played A Grade cricket for the City of Victoria, sat quietly behind his lawyer during the brief hearing.
Morganti remains out on bail in the community.
Ms McGuire’s mother, Debbie McGuire, waited online for hours to watch the brief hearing.
The brutal blow came just two months after Ms McGuire, 23, was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner, 21-year-old Lachlan Young.
Lachlan Morganti tried out for Melbourne Renegades in July 2023 but did not make the finals
Ms McGuire’s family were emotional outside the Ballarat Magistrates Court in April
Donors were encouraged to file a claim with GoFundMe to get their money back, with Ms Hill sharing the couples’ bank details so people could make direct donations.
The fundraiser has since been aborted, with a GoFundMe spokesperson confirming that they were aware of the ‘alleged misuse of funds’.
“The GoFundMe Trust and Safety team is aware of this alleged misuse of funds and will work with authorities and all parties to resolve the issue,” he said.
Ms McGuire’s body was discovered on April 5 in a burnt-out car near State Forest Road, near Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat in Victoria.
Mrs. McGuire had bought a house with Young just under a year before he allegedly killed her (the former couple pose outside the house)
It remains unknown how and why Young (pictured) allegedly killed Ms McGuire
It remains unknown how and why Young allegedly killed Ms. McGuire. He will be kept behind bars until his next court hearing in September.
Ms McGuire had bought a house with Young just under a year before he allegedly killed her.
She was pictured smiling from ear to ear next to a large ‘sold’ sign next to her then partner outside the home in Sebastopol, near Ballarat in regional Victoria.
The snapshot of happiness was taken almost a year ago before Young appeared in court charged with Ms McGuire’s murder.
She had lived with Young until a week before she was allegedly killed.
Her death was initially ruled a suicide, but a The coroner’s report found that she reportedly suffered fatal injuries before the car went up in flames.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.