KEY POINTS:
"Low down offending" was how a judge today described thefts by a Mt Maunganui woman from her own parents.
Jemma Jill Webb, 24, unemployed, was appearing for sentence in Tauranga District Court.
She had pleaded guilty to two charges of stealing a credit card and an eftpos card, which she used over 10 days last November to rack up $6819.79 of cash and goods.
"You ripped off your own family," Judge Louis Bidois admonished Webb. "You stole them (the cards) from your parents' home address. It was a breach of trust."
Some of the money went on drugs, the court heard.
"You have a serious drug problem," said the judge.
"You say you are now drug free. I sincerely hope you remain that way."
Sentencing Webb to five months on home detention, he added: "Let's hope you have turned the corner."
Special conditions, which will extend for six months after her detention ends, include abstaining from drugs and alcohol and attending counselling as directed by her probation officer.
The focus was on rehabilitation, Judge Bidois said.
"I don't want you to come into contact with people who use drugs and who may tempt you. That is why you are not getting community work."
Lawyer Bridie Henderson said Webb had referred herself for treatment and voluntarily took weekly drug tests, which had been negative.
From the dock, Webb told the judge she was off drugs and planned to stay that way because she wanted to get custody of her young daughter back.
- NZPA
