A 39-year-old businessman originally from Rathmore is among three individuals facing criminal charges in Australia over the alleged misappropriation of more than $180,000 (AUD) in charitable funds.

Patrick Kelleher, his wife Lisa, and another man, James Keogh, are the subjects of proceedings brought by NSW Fair Trading, the consumer protection regulator in New South Wales.

The regulator alleges that the three individuals, linked to the Sydney-based Ace Competitions Ltd, converted funds raised for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation for their own personal use.

The company, which rebranded as Ace Premium in 2023, operated via social media, offering "life-changing giveaways" including luxury cars, holidays, and cash draws.

While the business claimed to be a "proud sponsor" of the children's hospital foundation, the regulator alleges that the proceeds from online raffles, often featuring high-performance vehicles, did not reach the charity.

Patrick Kelleher faces one charge of converting $50,000 (approximately €30,000) to his own use.

His wife, Lisa Kelleher, faces one charge relating to $17,500, while James Keogh faces three charges involving the siphoning of $120,000.

In an online statement, the regulator confirmed the details of the case:
"NSW Fair Trading has commenced criminal proceedings against three individuals from Ace Competitions Ltd, alleging over $180,000 in charitable funds raised for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation was converted for personal use.

It is alleged that the directors of Ace Competitions Ltd, Patrick Kelleher and James Keogh, as well as manager Lisa Kelleher, misappropriated charitable funds raised by selling online raffles offering prizes that were primarily exotic, luxury or high-performance vehicles.

Mr Keogh is facing three charges of converting to his own use, money raised by means of a gaming activity relating to the sum of $120,000, Mr Kelleher is facing one charge relating to the sum of $50,000, and Ms Kelleher is facing one charge relating to the sum of $17,500.

If found guilty under section 14 of the Community Gaming Act 2018 the maximum penalty that can be imposed in the Local Court is imprisonment for two years or 100 penalty units, or both."

If convicted under the Community Gaming Act, the individuals face a maximum sentence of two years in prison, significant fines, or both.