October 06, 2012

Woman admits dishonesty, blackmail charges

By Anne Clarkson

A 46-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to 104 dishonesty charges, and one charge of blackmail, all occurring in Invercargill.

Diane Louise Boyd,?admitted 25 charges of obtaining by deception, one of attempting to obtain by deception, five of causing loss by deception, 67 of dishonestly using a document, two of theft by a person in a special relationship, four of theft, and one of blackmail.

Twenty-three more charges were withdrawn in the pre-trial session at Christchurch District Court yesterday.

The offending started in 2010 and continued through 2011. It included obtaining furniture, electronic goods, clothing, games, a large amount of cash, and two cars by deception. She also used bank, finance, and fuel cards dishonestly to obtain goods. She threatened a man with disclosure of nude photographs to make him hand over money and property.

Defence counsel Serina Bailey said police had recovered some items, and the amount of reparation being sought would have to be adjusted. ?

Judge Jane Farish remanded Boyd in custody for sentencing on November 29. She ordered a pre-sentence report and a psychological report.