A 31-year-old woman will spend time in prison after she admitted to stealing $280,000 from a friend.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday read a charge to Melinda Beaton which alleged that on September 5 at Independence Boulevard she stole $280,000, property of Kurt Steele.
The mother of five pleaded guilty to the offence.
According to the prosecution, Beaton had collected money on behalf of Steele from tenants. The court heard that she then spent the night at Steele’s place and around 2 am he discovered her and the money missing.
The prosecution added that the funds were never recovered.
When questioned by the Chief Magistrate why she took the money, Beaton said Steele had promised her $6,000 for a phone that she wanted repaired, if she provided him with a sexual favour.
According to Beaton she complied but the complainant then requested another sexual favour which she didn’t comply with. She said Steele hurled derogatory remarks at her, calling her a waste.
She added that when he fell asleep she took the money from his pants and bought items for her children who are living with their grandmother.
Chief Magistrate McLennan subsequently sentenced the defendant to 18 months imprisonment.
