Fomer cafe owner Alexandra Purucker was left penniless and on WINZ benefits after former friend and confidante Iris Huebler cleaned out her life savings.
The two had known each other for 16 years. When Purucker had to return to Germany to care for sick family members, she left Huebler in charge of her affairs and bank accounts. Huebler repaid the trust by stealing $750,000, money which came from the business and an inheritance.
Appearing in court today for sentencing, Huebler claimed she had taken the money to invest on behalf of Purucker. When Purucker returned from Germany she told her that the bank accounts had been hacked and all the money was gone.
However, the bank told her that she hadn’t been hacked – she had been robbed.
Judge Ruth sentenced Huebler to four years imprisonment.
