Man who allegedly stole donations from funerals confronted outside Melbourne court

A Melbourne grandfather has angrily confronted an alleged thief who stole donations from his son's funeral.

Paul Pecora, 58, has admitted to targeting grieving families on numerous occasions, including the service for Shane Scicluna in January, where money was donated for his autistic son, Kai.

Outside the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court today, Kai’s grandfather Allan Chilcott described Pecora as a “gutless wonder”.

“You’re a scumbag, you’re a f----- rat, a f----- dog!,” Mr Chilcott told the accused.

The grandfather told 9NEWS he is deeply upset by the 58-year-old’s alleged crimes.

“It’s bad enough stealing from anybody, but a child with autism… it’s just a low act,” he said.

“I hope the magistrate thinks very seriously about how he treats a person like this, especially stealing from a child at a funeral.”

Kai’s mother, Julie Elliot, said Pecora’s alleged actions have “broken her heart”.

“What kind of person does that,” Ms Elliot questioned.

“I feel like we can’t put anything at peace, because this (court proceedings) are still going on.”

The court heard the thief, who is a gambling addict, intends to plead guilty to six charges, including theft and trespass.

Today the court heard the total sum of stolen money had increased from $4000 to $6820.

“I believe he disputed the amount to start off with. I don’t think he counted every dollar he was putting in to the poker machine,” Kai’s uncle, Kevin Scicluna, said.

Pecora has told 9NEWS he is remorseful and intends to pay the money back. He also said he is recovering from prostate cancer, and accepts he could go to prison.

His matter was adjourned until December, where he intends to formally plead guilty.

Watch the full news bulletin on 9Now