A woman from Northern Ireland has been detained following allegations she embezzled more than £850,000 from Australian tycoon Judith Neilson.
Annalouise Spence, aged 51, from County Antrim had worked as the billionaire philanthropist’s private secretary. She was refused bail on Friday May 8, during her court appearance in Sydney facing multiple charges related to unauthorised use of Neilson’s funds spanning several years.
According to The Irish Times, she allegedly financed her own 50th birthday celebration at a five-star hotel in Sydney, which Neilson attended with stolen funds. Spence allegedly splashed out thousands on bespoke napkins, luxury footwear and a formal dress.
Spence is further alleged to have spent tens of thousands on American getaways, personalised diamond and gold jewellery, and high-end fashion. She is accused of purchasing fine art, chauffeur-driven transport, premium mattress toppers and Cartier jewellery pieces.
View 2 ImagesBillionaire Judith Neilson regularly features on Australia’s ‘rich list’
She is believed to have been employed as Neilson’s personal secretary for eight years. Her suspected misconduct was uncovered when another member of staff, while reconciling Neilson’s finances, discovered AUS$59,000(£43,000) had been charged for a pink-gold Rolex watch purchased from a trader in London, reports Belfast Live.
Judith Neilson regularly features in Australia’s “rich list” and is worth almost $1.5 billion. She established the Judith Neilson Institute eight years ago with $100 million to “champion” journalism and storytelling in Australia.