Annalouise Spence, the former secretary to billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson, has been refused bail after being charged with allegedly defrauding her employer of $1.6 million. The case was heard in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on April 23, 2026.
Police allege that Spence, 52, used her position to transfer funds from Neilson's accounts to her own between 2019 and 2024. The court heard that the alleged fraud involved multiple transactions over several years.
Magistrate Michael Barko refused bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of flight. Spence did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until her next court appearance in June 2026.
