A supervisor at a Supermarket in Ululoloa who bypassed the cash register system on several occasions because the customers did not have enough money to pay for goods has been slapped with a supervision sentence.   

Leafa Aliipuupuu Paitomaleifi of Toamua and Salesatele was given the sentence by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma earlier this month. 

Patiomaleifi pleaded guilty to seven charges of theft as a servant for which the penalty is 10 years imprisonment for each count.

She initially denied the charges but changed her plea to guilty in August when the hearing was called. 

At the time of offence, she was employed as a cashier supervisor at Farmer Joe Supermarket in Ululoloa. 

On seven separate occasions while working as a cashier she dishonestly facilitated and allowed numerous goods to be taken by two particular customers without payment.

She did this by deliberately failing to scan items supplied to the customers so that they were not reflected in the system and she entered the incorrect weight of some of the items. 

The total loss to the company as amended by the prosecution was $944.78. 

Following the discovery of discrepancies in the receipts, the company conducted an investigation and discovered the offence from video camera footage.

According to probation reports the defendant claimed she felt sorry for the first couple when they did not have enough money to pay for the groceries. 

Instead of returning some items as the couple requested, the defendant allowed them to take the goods and dishonestly manipulated the system and later received $30 from the couple. 

She admitted to probation that she did the same for the same couple and another customer on separate occasions.

Justice Roma noted theft as a servant is a serious charge because it involves the breach of trust of the victim companies and employers. 

The prosecution recommended a non-custodial sentence of supervision. 

The court considered the recommendation given by the authorities cited in their submission and other similar cases that have come before the court.

“I consider that you did not take the items but rather facilitated its taking by others through dishonest means,” said Justice Roma. 

“I also consider the value of the items and loss which you have paid back in full; your personal circumstances and first offender status.

“And despite the number of charges, I accept as appropriate the recommendation by the prosecution.”

The woman was convicted and sentenced to two years of supervision with the condition that she complete 80 hours of community work under the direction and supervision of probation. 

Justice Roma said the defendant should consider herself very lucky. 

“I was of the mind to impose an imprisonment term despite your first offender status because of the number of charges. In the end and for reasons I have referred to, I decided to accept the recommendation by the prosecution. 

“So you should make use of this opportunity and leniency granted to you. You should not come back to court for similar or any other offence.” 

The prosecutor was from the Office of the Attorney General’s Office, Timothy Fesili.