After stealing a cellphone from Digicel Tonga, a woman must not commit any further offence, punishable by imprisonment for 12 months.
Simaima Vaha’i pleaded guilty to her theft charge after police amended the original charge.
The court was told that from October 2023 to April 2024, at Neiafu, Vaha’i dishonestly took one Samsung Galaxy A34, valued at $715.84, from Digicel Tonga Limited without any right, to deprive them of said property permanently.
The court heard that the stock room from which these goods were stolen was usually left unlocked, and access was available to all other workers in the company.
The court document shows comment by the Lord Chief Justice, presiding, telling Vaha’i that “the loser was your employer, that is always a serious matter because it is a breach of trust”.
Vaha’i is married to a teacher, and they have four young children.
Mr Bishop said Vaha’i admitted to the crime as soon as she was questioned, which was before her arrest and before the Police questioned her.
Mr Bishop also said: “I hope that was because you realised that what you did, was out of character. Why you behaved as you did, I cannot say, but I hope that this experience has been a lesson for you”.
She was placed on probation for 12 months to help with her rehabilitation.
During this time, she must not commit any crimes that could lead to imprisonment.
“You also need to report to the probation office in Tonga by this Friday. You can do this by phone.”
