By Linny Folau

Simaima Vaha’i (33) was sentenced to 12 months probation for stealing a mobile phone worth $715.84 from her employer, Digicel Tonga in Vava’u. Initially pleading not guilty to a larger theft charge, she later changed her plea to guilty for the theft of a Samsung Galaxy A34, leading to the discharge of the first count against her.

Lord Chief Justice Bishop sentenced her on 18 March in the Supreme Court, Neiafu Registry.

The theft happened between October 2023 and April 2024 because the stock room wasn't locked. On March 7 she pleaded not guilty to a larger count of theft.

Her trial started on 17 March and the Lord Chief heard the evidence from a total of five prosecution witnesses, all employees of Digicel Tonga.

On the evidence it was clear that the stock room from which these goods were stolen, was often left unlocked allowing access to all other workers in the company. The Court advised the Prosecution to speak with the defence and consider filing an amended indictment

The Court was then adjourned to 18 March, when the Lord Chief Justice received an amended indictment from the Prosecution with count one and an alternative in count two. The accused was re-arraigned on the amended indictment, pleading not guilty to count one and guilty to the second count, which was the theft of the Samsung Galaxy A34.

The Crown, accepting her plea to count two, discharged the first count of the amended indictment.

The Lord Chief Justice expressed his disappointment in Vaha’i's actions, emphasizing the seriousness of the theft due to the breach of trust with her employer. He acknowledged her honesty in admitting the theft before her arrest and questioning by the police.

“I hope that was because you realised that what you did was out of character. Why you behaved as you did, I cannot say, but I hope that this experience has been a lesson for you.”

To support her rehabilitation, he decided to put her on probation for 12 months, during which she must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment and must report to the Probation office by Friday, 21 March on Tongatapu, either in person or by phone. Her probation includes a good behaviour bond.