Woman Charged with Fraud After Allegedly Misappropriating $1.6 Million from Philanthropist Employer

Annalouise Spence, 50, has been charged with 68 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, accused of defrauding her former employer, philanthropist Judith Neilson, of more than $1.6 million. She has been refused bail.

Arrest and Charges

On Wednesday morning, police executed search warrants at a residence in Erskineville and an art storage facility in Campbelltown. Annalouise Spence was arrested at her home and taken to Mascot Police Station.

Her solicitor noted the presence of approximately 20 police officers during the arrest, describing it as "totally unnecessary."

Spence has been charged with 68 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception. She was refused bail and appeared in court via audiovisual link from Surry Hills police station on Thursday.

The Allegations

Police allege Spence defrauded her former employer, philanthropist Judith Neilson, of more than $1.6 million.

According to police, in March 2023, Spence impersonated Neilson to obtain a supplementary American Express Centurion card attached to Neilson's account.

The card was allegedly used over two years for expenses including:

• First-class travel
• Hotel stays
• Designer clothing, accessories, and jewelry
• Artwork

Specific Alleged Purchases

Discovery and Investigation

"I know Judith. She doesn't wear any jewellery and she definitely doesn't wear expensive watches."
— Katy Lloyd Jones, Neilson's executive assistant

Neilson stated she did not authorize the supplementary card and was unaware Spence had removed oversight from her finance team.

The alleged fraud was discovered by Neilson's new executive assistant, Katy Lloyd Jones, who noticed unusual charges on Neilson's American Express account. Lloyd Jones said the watch purchase immediately raised concerns, knowing Neilson's personal style.

Neilson's team hired risk and crisis manager Marnie Edwards, a former NSW Police detective inspector, to investigate.

Background

Spence worked as Neilson's private secretary for eight years, until September 12 last year. Neilson stated she entrusted Spence with personal and financial details, as Neilson does not use email or computers.

Spence and her husband lived rent-free in premises owned by Neilson.

Court Proceedings

In court, Prosecutor Sergeant Ashlee Uren argued Spence is accused of a "large-scale financial crime" and posed a risk of failing to appear or interfering with witnesses.

Local Court Judge Lucas Swan described the case as "overwhelming" and noted the likelihood of a custodial sentence if convicted.

Defense solicitor Bryan Wrench noted Spence has complex PTSD and bipolar disorder, diagnosed late last year, and spent a month at St John of God Hospital in November 2025. He offered a $20,000 security for bail.

The judge noted that Spence has repaid $840,000, but stated this is more relevant to sentencing than bail.

Seized Items

Police removed 115 items from the Erskineville property, including:

• Artwork
• Designer shoes
• Handbags
• Jewelry
• Monogrammed Louis Vuitton trunks
• Other luggage

Next Hearing

The case returns to court on May 7.