An Australian man admits stealing money donated at funerals, but disputes that he got away with thousands of dollars.
Paul Pecora allegedly targeted grieving families in Melbourne after looking for tributes in the newspaper that requested donations.
In January, Pecora was allegedly seen on security vision cutting through a funeral procession for Shane, a 43-year-old father of an autistic child.
The 57-year-old admitted in Werribee Magistrates Court yesterday that he stole envelopes containing money for Kai, the deceased’s five-year-old autistic son, but denied taking $7000.
A week later he attended a woman’s funeral in Essendon but left empty handed before turning himself in to police.
He told police that night he couldn’t help it and “saw an opportunity to take some money and I took the money".
"I don't even know who the funeral was for to tell you the truth."
He is also alleged to have stolen $700 in a donation box from a Bundoora funeral.
The court heard the investigating officer had contacted the mourners at Shane’s funeral and confirmed that donations ranged from $500 to $3000.
Pecora did not formally pled and will face court again next month.
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