Annalouise Spence, 51, from Carrickfergus in County Antrim, appeared in a Sydney court on Friday. Police in New South Wales charged her with stealing AUS$1.6 million, equivalent to €990,000, from billionaire Judith Neilson. Spence worked as Neilson's personal secretary for eight years until late last year.

The alleged theft occurred over five years without Neilson's consent or knowledge. Purchases included items for Spence's 50th birthday party at the Capella Hotel in Sydney's central business district last year. Neilson attended the event. Other spending covered chauffeur services, mattress toppers, jewellery, artwork, a trip to the US for a concert, a stay at the Carlyle Hotel in New York, clothing, shoes, handbags and a bicycle.

Three years ago, Spence obtained a supplementary American Express card linked to Neilson's account in her own name. She removed Neilson's finance team from oversight of the account. In late 2024, spending included $23,000 on items from Loro Piana and $30,000 online with Mytheresa.

The case came to light last September when staff reconciling Neilson's bank account found charges for a pink-gold Rolex watch and Harrods purchases. Spence repaid $840,000 since then. Her lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court she has bipolar disorder and complex PTSD, and takes multiple medications.

Police seized almost 120 items from Spence's home in Erskineville, Sydney, a storage facility in Campbelltown and a property in Tasmania's Huon Valley. The court denied her bail.