A former Napier florist who changed her competitors' details on Google maps to direct clients to her business was today sentenced to 100 hours community service.
Kendra Drinkwater, 40, who ran a company called Napier Florist from her home had previously admitted six charges of accessing a computer system for
dishonest gain.
The offences were committed between November 1 and December 4 last year, with Drinkwater editing the details of six of her competitors on 100 occasions.
She told police it was an "addiction" and she had changed the details so hers was the only company customers could contact.
The case has received widespread publicity, including appearing in a newspaper in Switzerland and been referred to on blog sites in various parts of the world.
Judge Tony Adeane said that while competitors believed her actions had affected their businesses, the damage could not be quantified so no reparation was being sought.
He accepted that the media interest in the case had brought a great deal of embarrassment to Drinkwater, the mother of two children.
Apart from community work, she will be under supervision for nine months and must complete counselling and education programmes as directed.
- NZPA
