A FORMER police exhibit writer, convicted of stealing $5000 from cash exhibit funds held in her custody, has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
Magistrate Yogesh Prasad sentenced Selai Gaunabalavu yesterday following her conviction on a count of theft.
The court was told that between March 1, 2019 and May 31, 2019, Gaunabalavu dishonestly appropriated $5000, the property of Rakesh Chand, with the intention of permanently depriving him of the funds.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Prasad highlighted the aggravating factors, noting that the offence involved a serious breach of trust “since the accused was a police officer and the cash exhibit was under her custody for safekeeping”.
The court further noted that the theft was carefully planned, with no recovery of the stolen money.
Magistrate Prasad emphasised that deterrence and public interest were paramount in sentencing such cases to send a clear message that the court will not show leniency for this type of offending.
Gaunabalavu will be eligible for parole after serving two years of her head sentence. She has 28 days to appeal to the High Court.
