October 19, 2011

Justice and mercy for struggling mum

By David Clarkson at Nga Hau e Wha marae

Judge Stephen Erber handed out some earthquake mercy along with the justice when he was faced with a struggling solo mum.

The 24-year-old woman appeared in the Christchurch District Court session at the Nga Hau e Wha marae today to plead guilty to a charge of shoplifting.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Brocas said she had taken cheese and meat worth $108 from Pak?n?Save Westfield on September 26. She had placed the goods in a bag and tried to leave the shop without paying. The goods were all recovered.

Defence counsel Ruth Buddicom said the woman was a single mother who was struggling financially.

She had lost all her household possessions in the earthquake because she was uninsured. She had not been able to afford the insurance payments.

Judge Erber said, ?Temper justice with mercy,? before he convicted and discharged her without penalty except for court costs of $132.89.