A woman originally from Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland has appeared in court in Australia accused of allegedly misusing almost €1 million from billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson while working as her personal secretary. Police claim the money was spent on luxury hotels, designer goods, jewellery, holidays and personal celebrations over a five-year period.

Carrickfergus Woman Accused of Stealing Nearly €1 Million From Australian Billionaire

A woman originally from Carrickfergus has appeared before a court in Australia accused of allegedly spending almost €1 million belonging to one of the country’s richest women.

Annalouise Spence, 51, formerly known as Annalouise Brown, is accused of improperly using funds belonging to Australian billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson while employed as her personal secretary.

Police in New South Wales allege the Carrickfergus woman engaged in a five-year luxury spending spree worth approximately AUS$1.6 million — around £850k — without permission or authorisation.

Luxury Birthday Party Among Alleged Spending

Court proceedings heard allegations that part of the money was used to fund an extravagant 50th birthday celebration at the five-star Capella Sydney.

Investigators claim the event included:

• $1,000 spent on personalised napkins
• $1,200 on a designer evening dress
• More than $10,000 on Jimmy Choo shoes and accessories

It is alleged that Judith Neilson attended the event without knowing her own money had allegedly been used to cover the costs.

Who Is Judith Neilson?

Judith Neilson is one of Australia’s wealthiest women and regularly appears on the country’s rich lists.

She founded the Judith Neilson Institute to support journalism and storytelling projects and is also behind Sydney’s famous White Rabbit Gallery.

Neilson is also linked to investment giant Platinum Asset Management, co-founded by her former husband Kerr Neilson.

The Judith Neilson Institute reportedly declined to comment on the case.

Police Allege Lavish Purchases and Luxury Travel

According to police, the alleged spending included:

• $9,270 on chauffeur services
• $6,000 on mattress toppers
• More than $11,000 on Cartier jewellery
• Over $10,000 on American artwork

Police further allege the Carrickfergus woman later gained access to a supplementary American Express card connected to Neilson’s bank account.

Investigators claim financial oversight was then removed, allowing the alleged spending to continue unnoticed.

Trips, Hotels and Designer Shopping

Authorities allege the spending included:

• A $29,000 trip to the United States to attend a concert by The Cure in Seattle
• First-class flights and luxury accommodation
• Nearly $39,000 spent during a stay at The Carlyle Hotel
• More than $64,000 on personalised jewellery
• Designer purchases from Loro Piana and Mytheresa

Police also allege money was spent on Louis Vuitton accessories, luxury handbags, hats, clothing, swimming costumes and high-end fashion brands including Zara and Lululemon.

Luxury Goods Seized During Investigation

Investigators reportedly seized nearly 120 items during searches linked to the case.

Items allegedly recovered from properties in Sydney and Tasmania included:

• Designer shoes
• Luxury handbags
• Louis Vuitton trunks
• Jewellery
• Artwork

Police described the investigation as a “large-scale financial crime”.

Court Hears Mental Health Claims

Spence appeared before a Sydney court on Friday where she was refused bail.

Her lawyer reportedly told the court she suffers from bipolar disorder and complex PTSD and has been prescribed several medications.

The court also heard claims that approximately $840,000 had been repaid since September last year.