Shoplifter

A Cardrona woman who went on a shoplifting spree in Queenstown and Wanaka has been sentenced to 12 months’ supervision, to address her compulsion to steal.

Marlena Hemi Rewita (40), admitted 10 charges of shoplifting between July 17 and 27.

Community magistrate Simon Heale said he did not want Rewita’s three younger children to be affected by the ‘‘remarkable group of offences’’ in the same way her two older children had been impacted by a term of imprisonment she served several years ago.

Rewita stole sweets valued at $17.70, property of Remarkable Sweet Shop, Queenstown, July 17; a hat and jacket valued at $4.50, property of Salvation Army Family Store, Queenstown, July 17; fridge magnets valued at $32, property of Paper Plus Wanaka, July 17; books valued at $109.96, property of persons unknown, July 17, Queenstown; hair dye and underwear valued at $29, property of New World Wanaka, July 20; grocery items valued at $22, property of New World Wanaka, July 23; hair dye, picture hooks, tooth picks, bag clips and lasagne, valued at $60, property of New World Wanaka, July 24; food items and hair dye valued at $57, property of New World Wanaka, July 23; hair remover valued at $24, property of New World Wanaka, July 23; razors valued at $24, property of New World Wanaka, July 27.

She hid the items in her pockets, down her trousers or in a carry bag before leaving the stores without paying.

Rewita told police she was glad to be caught, and wanted help for her condition.

She did not know why she stole, and had no use for most of the items she had taken.

She was also ordered to pay reparation of $187 to New World Wanaka.

• Lena Carolina Heuschkel (19), vineyard worker and German national living in Luggate, discharged without conviction for drinkdriving while under 20, 250mcg, State Highway 84, Wanaka, July 19, disqualified three months.