Alleged Hannah McGuire fundraiser thief Lachlan Morganti faces Ballarat Magistrates’ court

The man who allegedly stole from the online collection for Clunes woman Hannah McGuire has faced Ballarat court.

Lachlan Morganti, 22, accused of stealing from a GoFundMe fundraiser, leaving Ballarat Magistrates' Court on July 1, 2024. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

A man accused of stealing more than $60,000 from a fundraiser established for an allegedly murdered woman’s family has faced Ballarat court as his lawyer seeks further material from police.

Winter Valley man Lachlan Morganti, 22, is accused of stealing from the online collection for Clunes woman Hannah McGuire, who was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend, 21-year-old Lachlan Young, in April.

Mr Morganti organised a fundraiser on behalf of Clunes Cricket Club and raised nearly $65,000 for the McGuire family in the weeks following Hannah’s death.

Hannah McGuire was found dead in Scarsdale on April 5, 2024. Picture: GoFundMe

He made a brief appearance at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where Mr Morganti’s lawyer asked for an adjournment, having only received a brief of the case the same afternoon.

She said she also sought further disclosure from police, including Mr Morganti’s record of interview.

Mr Morganti sat in the front row in the courtroom and was not required to speak.

At an earlier hearing, the court heard Mr Morganti allegedly stole the money because of a gambling addiction.

The case will continue on August 5.