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7NEWS
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Best dressed: Logies Red Carpet host Sonia Kruger rates her favourite Logies fashion looks from over the years
Sonia Kruger has been to so many TV Week Logie Awards ceremonies over the years that she's lost count. 'I've been trying to work out which one was my first, and I am pretty sure I was working on Today Tonight, and I started there in 2000 — I remember I was wearing a red pantsuit,' she says. Fast forward 25 years — and several considerably more glamorous outfits later — and Kruger, who is up for the prestigious Gold Logie again this year, is still knocking it out of the park with her spectacular red carpet choices. 'I like to say, it takes a total of six people to build (me) these days,' she says of her 'glam squad', which includes stylist Natalia De Martin, make-up artist Simone Forte and hair stylist Norman Gonzales 'It would be awesome (to) give them a shoutout, actually, because I don't think they ever really get the recognition they deserve — they're the ones that make me look good.' Sonia's team have been coordinating her looks and designing hair and make-up choices for the Logies for at least a decade, with de Martin meticulously planning the Dancing With The Stars and The Voice host's red carpet look months in advance. 'Once the announcement is made, Natalia gets into planning,' she explains. 'She has this incredible memory for things I have worn, and she likes to make sure that every year (what I wear) is slightly different, and that there's something new and fresh about the dress. This year, Kruger will wear a gown designed by designer Alin Le'Kal, and she has another dress lined up to wear to the event inside. '(Natalia) has had a design concept in mind, and she's working with this on a particular dress, which I personally think is one of the most beautiful (I've worn) — it's by Alin Le'Kal,' Kruger explains. 'It really is so gorgeous.' Despite the fact she's attended dozens of award ceremonies, Kruger still gets excited pre-Logies. 'The getting-ready part is always the best part,' she admits, adding that daughter Maggie, who loves fashion like her Mum, loves watching her mum transform for the event. This year Kruger, who won a Gold Logie in 2023, will once again host the Red Carpet Show with co-host Dr Chris Brown, before heading inside to await the results of her award nominations — with her sister as plus-one. 'I think we have spent more time discussing her outfit for the Logies than mine!' she laughs. 'She and I look very similar, so I think we're going to confuse the cameraman when he cuts to our table, because we're only a year apart and we look exactly the same.' As for her Gold Logie chances this year, on her fourth nomination? 'Well, somebody told me my betting odds were pretty bad,' she says. 'So I'm just looking forward to having a good night. 'Maybe if I win I will send (my sister) up to do an acceptance speech — she'd probably do a better job than me!' Sonia rates her looks We take a stroll down the ruby rug with Logies Red Carpet host Sonia Kruger. Dolce and Gabbana, 2002 'I think I was sucked in by the label. But it was made from jersey, so it was super comfortable. I look like I probably belong on a Real Housewives franchise or as a contestant on MAFS — it's really got that vibe to it. But it was 25 years ago, so I was a bit younger and a bit wilder…' Alex Perry, 2006 'That dress I absolutely loved — it's one my favorite dresses from The Logies. I remember (Alex) being quite reluctant to make it in that green, but I was really insistent. Turns out he was (against it) because it was his old school uniform colour…! He made it for me, and it fitted like a glove.' J'Aton, 2007 'That one won me 'Best Dressed' on the night. It was made from amazing Swarovski chrystal fabric, and it's still one of my favourite dresses ever. I would wear this dress again if I had the chance. Again, it was super comfortable, and just really, really stunning — and the detail was incredible.' Alex Perry, 2008 'That one was made from this really beautiful matte velvet. It wasn't quite as tight as Alex likes his dresses to be, and he was kind of annoyed about it, but I felt really comfortable in it, which was great. And I loved how sophisticated it was.' Alex Perry, 2009 'Alex is a dear, dear friend of mine…and I remember saying to him, 'I just want something simple and comfortable and easy to get around in…and he made me this! It was ruffles, and it was the kind of thing that Maggie would have loved, aged five. I made a lot of Finding Nemo jokes about it. It was a LOT.' J'Aton, 2010 'This one was really soft, and this beautiful olive green colour. I loved that dress, because it was so different from everything else I had worn. We were doing a lot of structured gowns with Dancing With The Stars at the time, and I loved that it was soft, and had Grecian kind of vibes; very mute and natural.' Hervé Léger, 2016 'I had just had Maggie, and I was going through a 'stretchy dress' phase after having her. I loved this one because it was so fun, but it was also super comfortable to wear. If you're comfortable in what you are wearing, you feel good, and you just have a much better time.' Balmain, 2017 'We went for an international designer this particular year. I can't remember exactly why, I think because it had a little bit of stretch in it? It had this drapey sort of cape thing going on, which was very new at the time. And… was it pants?' Albina Dyla, 2022 'I remember Fashion Critical asked how many Fraggles had to die for this dress, which was hilarious. The funny thing is that the feathers look so soft and beautiful, but it was like wearing a bed of needles, because at the end of every feather is a quill, and they were really pointy!' Stephen Kalil& Sean Rentero (event dress), 2023 'This was an unusual dress for me to wear, because it was really pretty and soft and flowy — I generally tend to go for things that are a bit more edgy or structured. But it was such a beautiful colour, and it looked lovely against the red carpet and it was such a contrast to the dress I changed into for the ceremony, which was this rainbow glow mesh.' FatimaK Designs, 2024 'That was very long, and I did end up wearing a different dress inside, which was this beautiful rose gold, one-shoulder dress, which was comfortable to sit down in. Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown host the 65th Annual TV WEEK Logies Red Carpet Show from 7pm on Sunday August 3, with the ceremony starting at 7.30pm on Seven and 7Plus.
West Australian
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Best dressed: Logies Red Carpet host Sonia Kruger rates her favourite Logies fashion looks from over the years
Sonia Kruger has been to so many TV Week Logie Awards ceremonies over the years that she's lost count. 'I've been trying to work out which one was my first, and I am pretty sure I was working on Today Tonight, and I started there in 2000 — I remember I was wearing a red pantsuit,' she says. Fast forward 25 years — and several considerably more glamorous outfits later — and Kruger, who is up for the prestigious Gold Logie again this year, is still knocking it out of the park with her spectacular red carpet choices. 'I like to say, it takes a total of six people to build (me) these days,' she says of her 'glam squad', which includes stylist Natalia De Martin , make-up artist Simone Forte and hair stylist Norman Gonzales 'It would be awesome (to) give them a shoutout, actually, because I don't think they ever really get the recognition they deserve — they're the ones that make me look good.' Sonia's team have been coordinating her looks and designing hair and make-up choices for the Logies for at least a decade, with de Martin meticulously planning the Dancing With The Stars and The Voice host's red carpet look months in advance. 'Once the announcement is made, Natalia gets into planning,' she explains. 'She has this incredible memory for things I have worn, and she likes to make sure that every year (what I wear) is slightly different, and that there's something new and fresh about the dress. This year, Kruger will wear a gown designed by designer Alin Le'Kal, and she has another dress lined up to wear to the event inside. '(Natalia) has had a design concept in mind, and she's working with this on a particular dress, which I personally think is one of the most beautiful (I've worn) — it's by Alin Le'Kal,' Kruger explains. 'It really is so gorgeous.' Despite the fact she's attended dozens of award ceremonies, Kruger still gets excited pre-Logies. 'The getting-ready part is always the best part,' she admits, adding that daughter Maggie, who loves fashion like her Mum, loves watching her mum transform for the event. This year Kruger, who won a Gold Logie in 2023, will once again host the Red Carpet Show with co-host Dr Chris Brown, before heading inside to await the results of her award nominations — with her sister as plus-one. 'I think we have spent more time discussing her outfit for the Logies than mine!' she laughs. 'She and I look very similar, so I think we're going to confuse the cameraman when he cuts to our table, because we're only a year apart and we look exactly the same.' As for her Gold Logie chances this year, on her fourth nomination? 'Well, somebody told me my betting odds were pretty bad,' she says. 'So I'm just looking forward to having a good night. 'Maybe if I win I will send (my sister) up to do an acceptance speech — she'd probably do a better job than me!' We take a stroll down the ruby rug with Logies Red Carpet host Sonia Kruger. Dolce and Gabbana, 2002 'I think I was sucked in by the label. But it was made from jersey, so it was super comfortable. I look like I probably belong on a Real Housewives franchise or as a contestant on MAFS — it's really got that vibe to it. But it was 25 years ago, so I was a bit younger and a bit wilder…' Alex Perry, 2006 'That dress I absolutely loved — it's one my favorite dresses from The Logies. I remember (Alex) being quite reluctant to make it in that green, but I was really insistent. Turns out he was (against it) because it was his old school uniform colour…! He made it for me, and it fitted like a glove.' J'Aton, 2007 'That one won me 'Best Dressed' on the night. It was made from amazing Swarovski chrystal fabric, and it's still one of my favourite dresses ever. I would wear this dress again if I had the chance. Again, it was super comfortable, and just really, really stunning — and the detail was incredible.' Alex Perry, 2008 'That one was made from this really beautiful matte velvet. It wasn't quite as tight as Alex likes his dresses to be, and he was kind of annoyed about it, but I felt really comfortable in it, which was great. And I loved how sophisticated it was.' Alex Perry, 2009 'Alex is a dear, dear friend of mine…and I remember saying to him, 'I just want something simple and comfortable and easy to get around in…and he made me this! It was ruffles, and it was the kind of thing that Maggie would have loved, aged five. I made a lot of Finding Nemo jokes about it. It was a LOT.' J'Aton, 2010 'This one was really soft, and this beautiful olive green colour. I loved that dress, because it was so different from everything else I had worn. We were doing a lot of structured gowns with Dancing With The Stars at the time, and I loved that it was soft, and had Grecian kind of vibes; very mute and natural.' Hervé Léger, 2016 'I had just had Maggie, and I was going through a 'stretchy dress' phase after having her. I loved this one because it was so fun, but it was also super comfortable to wear. If you're comfortable in what you are wearing, you feel good, and you just have a much better time.' Balmain, 2017 'We went for an international designer this particular year. I can't remember exactly why, I think because it had a little bit of stretch in it? It had this drapey sort of cape thing going on, which was very new at the time. And… was it pants?' Albina Dyla, 2022 'I remember Fashion Critical asked how many Fraggles had to die for this dress, which was hilarious. The funny thing is that the feathers look so soft and beautiful, but it was like wearing a bed of needles, because at the end of every feather is a quill, and they were really pointy!' Stephen Kalil& Sean Rentero (event dress), 2023 'This was an unusual dress for me to wear, because it was really pretty and soft and flowy — I generally tend to go for things that are a bit more edgy or structured. But it was such a beautiful colour, and it looked lovely against the red carpet and it was such a contrast to the dress I changed into for the ceremony, which was this rainbow glow mesh.' FatimaK Designs, 2024 'That was very long, and I did end up wearing a different dress inside, which was this beautiful rose gold, one-shoulder dress, which was comfortable to sit down in. Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown host the 65th Annual TV WEEK Logies Red Carpet Show from 7pm on Sunday August 3, with the ceremony starting at 7.30pm on Seven and 7Plus. Votes for this year's Logies are open:
Perth Now
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Sonia Kruger rates her best and worst Logies fashion
Sonia Kruger has been to so many TV Week Logie Awards ceremonies over the years that she's lost count. 'I've been trying to work out which one was my first, and I am pretty sure I was working on Today Tonight, and I started there in 2000 — I remember I was wearing a red pantsuit,' she says. Fast forward 25 years — and several considerably more glamorous outfits later — and Kruger, who is up for the prestigious Gold Logie again this year, is still knocking it out of the park with her spectacular red carpet choices. 'I like to say, it takes a total of six people to build (me) these days,' she says of her 'glam squad', which includes stylist Natalia De Martin, make-up artist Simone Forte and hair stylist Norman Gonzales 'It would be awesome (to) give them a shoutout, actually, because I don't think they ever really get the recognition they deserve — they're the ones that make me look good.' Sonia's 'Best in the Business' Glam Squad is (L-R) Norman Gonzales, Simone Forte and Natalia De Martin. Credit: Supplied Sonia's team have been coordinating her looks and designing hair and make-up choices for the Logies for at least a decade, with de Martin meticulously planning the Dancing With The Stars and The Voice host's red carpet look months in advance. 'Once the announcement is made, Natalia gets into planning,' she explains. 'She has this incredible memory for things I have worn, and she likes to make sure that every year (what I wear) is slightly different, and that there's something new and fresh about the dress. This year, Kruger will wear a gown designed by designer Alin Le'Kal, and she has another dress lined up to wear to the event inside. '(Natalia) has had a design concept in mind, and she's working with this on a particular dress, which I personally think is one of the most beautiful (I've worn) — it's by Alin Le'Kal,' Kruger explains. Sonia with Simone and Natalia at last year's Logies. Credit: Supplied 'It really is so gorgeous.' Despite the fact she's attended dozens of award ceremonies, Kruger still gets excited pre-Logies. 'The getting-ready part is always the best part,' she admits, adding that daughter Maggie, who loves fashion like her Mum, loves watching her mum transform for the event. Essential pre-Red Carpet prep. Credit: Supplied This year Kruger, who won a Gold Logie in 2023, will once again host the Red Carpet Show with co-host Dr Chris Brown, before heading inside to await the results of her award nominations — with her sister as plus-one. 'I think we have spent more time discussing her outfit for the Logies than mine!' she laughs. 'She and I look very similar, so I think we're going to confuse the cameraman when he cuts to our table, because we're only a year apart and we look exactly the same.' Sonia's Glam Squad assemble. Credit: Supplied As for her Gold Logie chances this year, on her fourth nomination? 'Well, somebody told me my betting odds were pretty bad,' she says. 'So I'm just looking forward to having a good night. 'Maybe if I win I will send (my sister) up to do an acceptance speech — she'd probably do a better job than me!' We take a stroll down the ruby rug with Logies Red Carpet host Sonia Kruger. Dolce and Gabbana, 2002 Dolce and Gabbana (tiger-print dress), 2002 Credit: Patrick Riviere / Getty Images 'I think I was sucked in by the label. But it was made from jersey, so it was super comfortable. I look like I probably belong on a Real Housewives franchise or as a contestant on MAFS — it's really got that vibe to it. But it was 25 years ago, so I was a bit younger and a bit wilder…' Alex Perry, 2006 Alex Perry (strapless green silk dress), 2006 Credit: Kristian Dowling / Getty Images 'That dress I absolutely loved — it's one my favorite dresses from The Logies. I remember (Alex) being quite reluctant to make it in that green, but I was really insistent. Turns out he was (against it) because it was his old school uniform colour…! He made it for me, and it fitted like a glove.' J'Aton, 2007 J'Aton, (white crystal dress), 2007 Credit: David Hahn - Staff 'That one won me 'Best Dressed' on the night. It was made from amazing Swarovski chrystal fabric, and it's still one of my favourite dresses ever. I would wear this dress again if I had the chance. Again, it was super comfortable, and just really, really stunning — and the detail was incredible.' Alex Perry, 2008 Alex Perry (Black velvet one shoulder), 2008 Credit: AAPIMAGE 'That one was made from this really beautiful matte velvet. It wasn't quite as tight as Alex likes his dresses to be, and he was kind of annoyed about it, but I felt really comfortable in it, which was great. And I loved how sophisticated it was.' Alex Perry, 2009 Alex Perry (aqua ruffle dress), 2009 Credit: AAPIMAGE 'Alex is a dear, dear friend of mine…and I remember saying to him, 'I just want something simple and comfortable and easy to get around in…and he made me this! It was ruffles, and it was the kind of thing that Maggie would have loved, aged five. I made a lot of Finding Nemo jokes about it. It was a LOT.' J'Aton, 2010 J'Aton (pistachio draped dress), 2010 Credit: AAPIMAGE 'This one was really soft, and this beautiful olive green colour. I loved that dress, because it was so different from everything else I had worn. We were doing a lot of structured gowns with Dancing With The Stars at the time, and I loved that it was soft, and had Grecian kind of vibes; very mute and natural.' Hervé Léger, 2016 Hervé Léger, (gold, fringed dress) 2016 Credit: AAPIMAGE 'I had just had Maggie, and I was going through a 'stretchy dress' phase after having her. I loved this one because it was so fun, but it was also super comfortable to wear. If you're comfortable in what you are wearing, you feel good, and you just have a much better time.' Balmain, 2017 Balmain (beige dress with high neck), 2017 Credit: AAPIMAGE 'We went for an international designer this particular year. I can't remember exactly why, I think because it had a little bit of stretch in it? It had this drapey sort of cape thing going on, which was very new at the time. And… was it pants?' Albina Dyla, 2022 Albina Dyla (fraggle dress with mirrors up top), 2022 Credit: Instagram / Instagram 'I remember Fashion Critical asked how many Fraggles had to die for this dress, which was hilarious. The funny thing is that the feathers look so soft and beautiful, but it was like wearing a bed of needles, because at the end of every feather is a quill, and they were really pointy!' Stephen Kalil& Sean Rentero (event dress), 2023 Stephen Kalil, 2023 & Sean Rentero Credit: Hanna Lassen / Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie A 'This was an unusual dress for me to wear, because it was really pretty and soft and flowy — I generally tend to go for things that are a bit more edgy or structured. But it was such a beautiful colour, and it looked lovely against the red carpet and it was such a contrast to the dress I changed into for the ceremony, which was this rainbow glow mesh.' FatimaK Designs, 2024 FatimaK Designs, 2024 Credit: Sam Tabone / Getty Images 'That was very long, and I did end up wearing a different dress inside, which was this beautiful rose gold, one-shoulder dress, which was comfortable to sit down in. Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown host the 65th Annual TV WEEK Logies Red Carpet Show from 7pm on Sunday August 3, with the ceremony starting at 7.30pm on Seven and 7Plus. Votes for this year's Logies are open:
Courier-Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Former 2Day FM radio host Michael Christian sues Southern Cross Austereo over royal prank
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News. An Australian radio personality at the centre of the 2012 royal prank that ended in tragedy has launched legal action against Southern Cross Austereo (SCA). Michael Christian was presenting on 2Day FM at the time with co-host Mel Greig when they made the phone call to a London hospital to inquire about Princess Catherine – then the Duchess of Cambridge – who was admitted for severe morning sickness ahead of the birth of her and Prince William's first child, Prince George. Christian alleges he was ordered by the 2Day FM production team to make the hoax call to King Edward VII hospital while impersonating the then-Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth to try to get detailed information about the duchess. Former 2Day FM radio hosts Michael Christian and Mel Greig copped severe backlash for their infamous royal prank in 2012. Their call was transferred by a nurse named Jacintha Saldanha to the duchess' nurse, who then shared the royal's private medical information on air. Saldanha sadly took her life days after the prank call, and both Christian and Greig copped widespread backlash over the prank. Now, more than a decade after the infamous incident, Christian is suing 2Day FM broadcaster SCA in the federal court, claiming the network let the hosts be the 'fall guys', which negatively impacted their careers. The Aussie radio duo called the King Edward VII hospital in London where Prince William's wife Princess Catherine was being treated for acute morning sickness. Picture: Indigo/Getty Images 'SCA did not immediately take public accountability for the incident, but rather allowed Mr Christian and Ms Greig to be left exposed to relentless public vitriol, harassment and abuse, including death threats,' his lawyers wrote in the court documents. 'The radio presenters were left by SCA as the convenient fall guys and scapegoats for SCA management decisions and noncompliance.' The hoax call turned to tragedy when a nurse who picked up the phone call took her own life days later. Christian – who was just two days into the job at the time – claimed the company had promised to provide support to the 'shock jocks' if the prank ever went too far. He says the broadcaster told him in 2013 that they would help restore his reputation and rebuild his career, and he felt let down when SCA did not keep their word. 'As the matter is currently before the courts, and out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time,' an SCA spokesperson told on Tuesday morning. After the backlash, Christian and Greig appeared on a series on TV interviews on which they said they were 'gutted, shattered and heartbroken'. 'I'm very sorry and saddened for the family, and I can't imagine what they've been going through,' Greig said on Today Tonight at the time. 'For the part we played, we're incredibly sorry,' Christian added. In the new court docs, Christian alleges he suffered physical and psychological injury, hurt, humiliation and distress and is seeking penalties, compensation for economic loss and damages. In 2013, Greig filed a similar claim against SCA with Fair Work Australia, accusing them of failing to maintain a safe workplace. The case was 'amicably resolved' and Greig later resigned from the network. As for Christian, he stayed on with the network until he was made redundant in February this year. Originally published as Former 2Day FM radio host sues Southern Cross Austereo over infamous royal prank
The Advertiser
04-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Money can't get bail for accused 'spiritual' fraudster
A "spiritual cleanser" who allegedly left a trail of defrauded victims in her wake has been denied bail once more despite offering more money as security. Maria Williams has been described as "unscrupulous and predatory" in court documents after allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims of her "psychic" services. The 49-year-old, her husband Larry Williams, 50, and sister Tina Montana, 48, have been arrested and charged over the scheme. Clients would offer envelopes of cash to be "blessed" or remove curses. While smaller initial amounts would be returned to build trust, the alleged fraudsters would ask for more and more cash eventually disappearing with the money, court documents say. Maria Williams was first denied bail in the NSW Supreme Court in February. She made a second bid for freedom on Friday which was shot down by Justice Julia Lonergan. This was despite claims by defence lawyer Feddy Kak that an increase in surety from $10,000 to $50,000 and further delays in her case warranted bail. Justice Lonergan found nothing significant had changed since February and there was no reason to grant bail this time. Three arrest warrants have been put out for other members of the family who have fled overseas, court documents say. A "hidden camera undercover sting" by current affairs program Today Tonight in 2005 showed the 49-year-old and her mother-in-law soliciting funds to be blessed. Williams left the country soon after that report, only to return in 2013, court documents reveal. She is accused of defrauding around $420,000 from three clients going back to 2003 and using a fake name to rent a property in Sydney's southwest before absconding without paying. One alleged victim was told funds from selling her home would have to be cleansed before using it to repay family and friends to prevent transferring "bad spirits". With no job and relying solely on defrauded funds to survive, Williams used multiple aliases and was arrested at Sydney International Airport in August with a one-way ticket to the United Kingdom, court documents allege. She is accused of stealing funds from victims in Victoria before fleeing with her husband to Queensland and then moving to Sydney where they were both arrested. "All of the conduct is unscrupulous and predatory on individuals who are vulnerable," crown prosecutors submitted while opposing bail in February. Deeds of release were often used to give alleged victims a belief they would get their money returned to prevent them going to police, prosecutors allege. Williams has not made pleas to one count of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, one count of obtaining money or valuables by deception and two counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception. She has previously been convicted and sentenced to a two-year community corrections order for defrauding another victim of over $41,000 in 2018. In that case, she advertised herself as a "master psychic". "Specialising in tarot card readings, remover of all evilness, palm and numerology reading, superior spiritual healer and advisor," a brochure put into the victim's mailbox read. She will be back in court with her husband on July 30. A "spiritual cleanser" who allegedly left a trail of defrauded victims in her wake has been denied bail once more despite offering more money as security. Maria Williams has been described as "unscrupulous and predatory" in court documents after allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims of her "psychic" services. The 49-year-old, her husband Larry Williams, 50, and sister Tina Montana, 48, have been arrested and charged over the scheme. Clients would offer envelopes of cash to be "blessed" or remove curses. While smaller initial amounts would be returned to build trust, the alleged fraudsters would ask for more and more cash eventually disappearing with the money, court documents say. Maria Williams was first denied bail in the NSW Supreme Court in February. She made a second bid for freedom on Friday which was shot down by Justice Julia Lonergan. This was despite claims by defence lawyer Feddy Kak that an increase in surety from $10,000 to $50,000 and further delays in her case warranted bail. Justice Lonergan found nothing significant had changed since February and there was no reason to grant bail this time. Three arrest warrants have been put out for other members of the family who have fled overseas, court documents say. A "hidden camera undercover sting" by current affairs program Today Tonight in 2005 showed the 49-year-old and her mother-in-law soliciting funds to be blessed. Williams left the country soon after that report, only to return in 2013, court documents reveal. She is accused of defrauding around $420,000 from three clients going back to 2003 and using a fake name to rent a property in Sydney's southwest before absconding without paying. One alleged victim was told funds from selling her home would have to be cleansed before using it to repay family and friends to prevent transferring "bad spirits". With no job and relying solely on defrauded funds to survive, Williams used multiple aliases and was arrested at Sydney International Airport in August with a one-way ticket to the United Kingdom, court documents allege. She is accused of stealing funds from victims in Victoria before fleeing with her husband to Queensland and then moving to Sydney where they were both arrested. "All of the conduct is unscrupulous and predatory on individuals who are vulnerable," crown prosecutors submitted while opposing bail in February. Deeds of release were often used to give alleged victims a belief they would get their money returned to prevent them going to police, prosecutors allege. Williams has not made pleas to one count of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, one count of obtaining money or valuables by deception and two counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception. She has previously been convicted and sentenced to a two-year community corrections order for defrauding another victim of over $41,000 in 2018. In that case, she advertised herself as a "master psychic". "Specialising in tarot card readings, remover of all evilness, palm and numerology reading, superior spiritual healer and advisor," a brochure put into the victim's mailbox read. She will be back in court with her husband on July 30. A "spiritual cleanser" who allegedly left a trail of defrauded victims in her wake has been denied bail once more despite offering more money as security. Maria Williams has been described as "unscrupulous and predatory" in court documents after allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims of her "psychic" services. The 49-year-old, her husband Larry Williams, 50, and sister Tina Montana, 48, have been arrested and charged over the scheme. Clients would offer envelopes of cash to be "blessed" or remove curses. While smaller initial amounts would be returned to build trust, the alleged fraudsters would ask for more and more cash eventually disappearing with the money, court documents say. Maria Williams was first denied bail in the NSW Supreme Court in February. She made a second bid for freedom on Friday which was shot down by Justice Julia Lonergan. This was despite claims by defence lawyer Feddy Kak that an increase in surety from $10,000 to $50,000 and further delays in her case warranted bail. Justice Lonergan found nothing significant had changed since February and there was no reason to grant bail this time. Three arrest warrants have been put out for other members of the family who have fled overseas, court documents say. A "hidden camera undercover sting" by current affairs program Today Tonight in 2005 showed the 49-year-old and her mother-in-law soliciting funds to be blessed. Williams left the country soon after that report, only to return in 2013, court documents reveal. She is accused of defrauding around $420,000 from three clients going back to 2003 and using a fake name to rent a property in Sydney's southwest before absconding without paying. One alleged victim was told funds from selling her home would have to be cleansed before using it to repay family and friends to prevent transferring "bad spirits". With no job and relying solely on defrauded funds to survive, Williams used multiple aliases and was arrested at Sydney International Airport in August with a one-way ticket to the United Kingdom, court documents allege. She is accused of stealing funds from victims in Victoria before fleeing with her husband to Queensland and then moving to Sydney where they were both arrested. "All of the conduct is unscrupulous and predatory on individuals who are vulnerable," crown prosecutors submitted while opposing bail in February. Deeds of release were often used to give alleged victims a belief they would get their money returned to prevent them going to police, prosecutors allege. Williams has not made pleas to one count of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, one count of obtaining money or valuables by deception and two counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception. She has previously been convicted and sentenced to a two-year community corrections order for defrauding another victim of over $41,000 in 2018. In that case, she advertised herself as a "master psychic". "Specialising in tarot card readings, remover of all evilness, palm and numerology reading, superior spiritual healer and advisor," a brochure put into the victim's mailbox read. She will be back in court with her husband on July 30. A "spiritual cleanser" who allegedly left a trail of defrauded victims in her wake has been denied bail once more despite offering more money as security. Maria Williams has been described as "unscrupulous and predatory" in court documents after allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims of her "psychic" services. The 49-year-old, her husband Larry Williams, 50, and sister Tina Montana, 48, have been arrested and charged over the scheme. Clients would offer envelopes of cash to be "blessed" or remove curses. While smaller initial amounts would be returned to build trust, the alleged fraudsters would ask for more and more cash eventually disappearing with the money, court documents say. Maria Williams was first denied bail in the NSW Supreme Court in February. She made a second bid for freedom on Friday which was shot down by Justice Julia Lonergan. This was despite claims by defence lawyer Feddy Kak that an increase in surety from $10,000 to $50,000 and further delays in her case warranted bail. Justice Lonergan found nothing significant had changed since February and there was no reason to grant bail this time. Three arrest warrants have been put out for other members of the family who have fled overseas, court documents say. A "hidden camera undercover sting" by current affairs program Today Tonight in 2005 showed the 49-year-old and her mother-in-law soliciting funds to be blessed. Williams left the country soon after that report, only to return in 2013, court documents reveal. She is accused of defrauding around $420,000 from three clients going back to 2003 and using a fake name to rent a property in Sydney's southwest before absconding without paying. One alleged victim was told funds from selling her home would have to be cleansed before using it to repay family and friends to prevent transferring "bad spirits". With no job and relying solely on defrauded funds to survive, Williams used multiple aliases and was arrested at Sydney International Airport in August with a one-way ticket to the United Kingdom, court documents allege. She is accused of stealing funds from victims in Victoria before fleeing with her husband to Queensland and then moving to Sydney where they were both arrested. "All of the conduct is unscrupulous and predatory on individuals who are vulnerable," crown prosecutors submitted while opposing bail in February. Deeds of release were often used to give alleged victims a belief they would get their money returned to prevent them going to police, prosecutors allege. Williams has not made pleas to one count of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, one count of obtaining money or valuables by deception and two counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception. She has previously been convicted and sentenced to a two-year community corrections order for defrauding another victim of over $41,000 in 2018. In that case, she advertised herself as a "master psychic". "Specialising in tarot card readings, remover of all evilness, palm and numerology reading, superior spiritual healer and advisor," a brochure put into the victim's mailbox read. She will be back in court with her husband on July 30.
