A judge offered little sympathy for a Taranaki woman convicted of stealing from her elderly father today when she appeared in court for re-sentencing after she failed to make regular reparation payments.
Helen Christine Williams, of Stratford, appeared in the New Plymouth District Court today before Judge Chris Sygrove.
Williams' lawyer, Julian Hannam, told the court Williams hoped the matter would be settled today, saying she had been dealing with what was described a a "media frenzy" focusing on her crime and subsequent court appearances.
In January last year, Williams was sentenced to 12 months' home detention on a charge of theft in a special relationship in relation to the theft of her father's life savings of over $320,00.
She was ordered to pay back the money she stole at a rate of $200 per week but has failed to fulfill this requirement.
In response to Hannam's comments about media interest and Williams' desire to avoid further public scrutiny, Judge Sygrove commented "she could do that by repaying the money".
Saying he needed more time to consider the information before him, Judge Sygrove then adjourned the case until May 31, giving Williams some stern advice.
"Between now and then, there will be monitoring as to the payments being made."
It would be wise, he added "to have caught up by then".
He said the court would take "a dim view" were that not the case.