A Christchurch couple have admitted stealing half a million dollars from a government-funded trust for disabled people in order to fund a lavish lifestyle.
The Christchurch District Court. Photo: Google Maps
Cecilia Ellenbroek, 61, and Alfonsus Ellenbroek, 64, have pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court to multiple charges brought by the Serious Fraud Office.
Both pleaded guilty to six charges of theft by a person in a special relationship. Mrs Ellenbroek also pleaded guilty to six counts of false accounting.
The couple spent Alpha Support Centre Trust funds on their personal expenses, including extensive international travel, cigarettes, alcohol and jewellery.
Serious Fraud Office director Julie Read said the Ellenbroek's offending took place over an sustained period and was premeditated.
The funds were allocated for community day care and vocational services for people with intellectual disabilities.
They have been remanded on bail until sentencing on 25 October.
