Shoplifter nabbed after ruse fails

Napier woman Janita Maree Hubbard, 20, appeared in Napier District Court yesterday on shoplifting charges.

A young shoplifter volunteered at a school's fundraising gift-wrapping stall in a ruse to steal a trolley full of goods from The Warehouse, a court was told yesterday.

Napier woman Janita Maree Hubbard, 20, appeared before Judge Bridget Mackintosh at Napier District Court.

She admitted one charge of shoplifting under $500.

Hubbard and an associate went to The Warehouse in Napier about 10.30am on a Saturday in December last year.

She and an associate filled a trolley with chocolates, perfumes and a folding deck chair, totalling $169.98.

They then left the trolley near a gift-wrapping station which was being run by Tamatea Primary School. The defendant and her associate had volunteered at the stand.

Hubbard took up a position at the gift wrapping table while her associate went and purchased a $1 item from the store.

The associate gave Hubbard the receipt for the purchased item which she then wrapped.

The associate left with the trolley and Hubbard followed shortly after.

"The defendant has made no attempt to pay for any of the goods," the summary of facts states.

The stolen goods have not been recovered.

After the incident, Hubbard refused to give police an explanation for her offending, "however she did state going to the shop that day and abusing the gift wrapping system was both her and her associate's idea".

The judge questioned the police prosecutor as to why the defendant had not been considered for diversion, reasoning that she had no prior convictions and had not previously appeared in court.

Police prosecutor Nigel Walland said although she had no previous convictions she was known to the police.

Hubbard was ordered to pay a fine of $200, court costs of $130 as well as reparation.

Tamatea Primary School did not wish to comment, but a spokeswoman said the voluntary gift-wrapping was put on by parents to raise money for the school.