Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman was ordered to pay a fine of $1600 and court costs of $260 after admitting to shoplifting nearly $9000 worth of goods from three high-end retail stores.
Her lawyer, Annabel Cresswell, mentioned “loss-reactive shoplifting” as an explanation.
the Law Society will consider the entry of the convictions
The judgment, released by Judge June Jelas, stated that Ghahraman’s mental health at the time did contribute to the shoplifting, but it was not the main cause.
Ghahraman was in therapy at the time of the offense and was “making good progress,” but her mental health state made her “more vulnerable” to offending.
The judge, in a move that reassures the public about the thoroughness of the legal process, accepted the Crown’s submission that the offending was not spontaneous, but occurred over two months with some level of premeditation and planning.
While the entry of the convictions will be a factor considered by the Law Society, the main consequences for Ghahraman will stem from her offending, not just the entry of convictions.
It’s important to note that the Law Society will consider the entry of the convictions, underscoring their role in the legal process.
