Man accused of stealing from Hannah McGuire fundraiser regrets pain caused to family

A man who allegedly stole more than $60,000 from a fundraiser for the family of Clunes woman Hannah McGuire has spoken about his shame and regret, saying his gambling addiction “got the better” of him.

A man facing charges after allegedly stealing more than $60,000 from a fundraiser for the family of Clunes woman Hannah McGuire says he is “incredibly shattered and ashamed” of himself.

In what loved ones have described as another bitter blow for her family, 26-year-old Lachlan Morganti is accused of stealing from the online collection for Ms McGuire after her tragic death.

Ms McGuire was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend, 21-year-old Lachlan Young, in April.

The fundraiser, which Mr Morganti organised on behalf of the Clunes Cricket Club, where Ms McGuire’s family is heavily involved, raised almost $65,000 for the grief-stricken family in the weeks following Ms McGuire’s death.

But the Winter Valley man allegedly stole the funds to fuel a gambling addiction.

Hannah McGuire was found dead in Scarsdale in April. Picture: Gofundme

Speaking exclusively to the Herald Sun, Mr Morganti said he “severely” regretted the pain he had caused Ms McGuire’s family.

“I am so incredibly shattered and ashamed of myself,” Mr Morganti said.

“I adore that family so much, and especially their son, Jude, who I played cricket with.

“I hurt for the family during this difficult time, and I’m so sorry I’ve added more stress and pain on to everything they were already coping with.

“I’ve had an addiction to online gambling for over three years now to the point where it’s completely controlled my life.”

Lachlan Morganti is accused of stealing more than $60k raised for the family of Hannah McGuire to fuel a gambling habit. Picture: Facebook

Mr Morganti said he set up the fundraiser because he witnessed first-hand the impact of Hannah’s death on Ms McGuire’s parents, Debbie and Glenn, and brother Jude.

“I got approval from GoFundMe and Deb to have the accounts transferred to me and then I would send them across to the family,” he said.

“Unfortunately before the money had landed I had a number of gambling episodes to the point I couldn’t control what was going on. I didn’t know what was my money and what was theirs and it got the better of me.

“It was never my intention to take this money for my own benefit. I never wanted it in my account.”

Hannah’s former boyfriend has been charged with her murder. Picture: Facebook

Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives this week charged Mr Morganti with theft.

He was bailed to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on June 20.

The fundraiser has since been taken down.

Family friend Christine Hill said on social media that the fundraiser was a “tiny piece of light” for a family who had been through hell and what had happened was shattering.

“This has tainted what should have been a beautiful, kind gesture to help. Never did I think Debbie and Glenn would have to deal with this,” she wrote.

A GoFundMe spokesman said: “The GoFundMe Trust and Safety team is aware of this alleged misuse of funds, and will work with authorities and all parties to reach a resolution”.

The blow for those close to Ms McGuire comes two months after her horrific death near Ballarat.

The 23-year-old’s body was found in an incinerated car at Scarsdale.

Mr Young, 21, faced court briefly in April charged with murder. He has not yet entered a plea.

He had previously been in a relationship with Ms McGuire.