Dunedin District Court

A BUDDING doctor stole more than $8000 by reusing winning Lotto tickets during her work behind a servicestation counter, a court has heard.

Shani Rose Bennett (20) of Hamilton, came to Dunedin to study with the hope of being accepted into medical school, defence counsel Andrew Dawson told the Dunedin District Court yesterday.

She brought with her a charge of theft by a person in a special relationship from when she worked on Z Energy’s Lotto kiosk in Dinsdale, Hamilton.

Between August and October of 2016, Bennett used the barcodes from old tickets to open the till and take cash.

The defendant told police she had used the $8315 for rent and food.

Mr Dawson said Bennett’s flatmates left her suddenly, meaning she had to pay the entire rent and utilities for the property where she was living.

‘‘She made a foolish decision,’’ he said.

Mr Dawson said Bennett’s coworker had shown her how to commit the theft but she only did so when she was desperate.

‘‘It’s a lot of money you’ve taken, Ms Bennett,’’ Judge Dominic Flatley said.

‘‘You’re going to carry this with you for the rest of your life . . . it may impact on your ability to become a doctor.’’

Bennett was sentenced to 150 hours’ community work and ordered to repay the stolen money.

The defendant paid $400 yesterday and will continue at $75 a week.