A prosecutor stated, “There is nowhere near a material contribution of her mental health to the shoplifting.” Former New Zealand Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman has been fined NZ$1,600 (US$974) and court costs of $260 (US$158) for a shoplifting spree last year. She was denied a discharge without conviction, making it unlikely for her to resume her law career. Ms. Ghahraman resigned from Parliament after being charged with stealing clothes worth almost NZ$9,000 (US$5,470) from high-end boutiques in Auckland and Wellington in 2023. Charged with shoplifting from various stores, she avoided imprisonment due to remorse, repayment of stolen items, and being a first-time offender.
In sentencing remarks, Judge June Jelas acknowledged the punitive consequences Ms. Ghahraman had already faced, including loss of employment, income, and adverse effects on her mental health. The judge imposed an additional penalty despite considering a conviction alone as sufficient punishment. Ms. Ghahraman was described as deeply regretful for her actions and hoped to find other ways to serve the community.
Ms. Ghahraman attributed her behavior to extreme stress response and unrecognised trauma, exacerbated by threats and abuse received during her time as an MP. Her lawyer outlined her refugee background and mental health struggles, including diagnoses of complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Prolonged Duress Stress Disorder. Despite these challenges, the prosecutor argued that her mental health did not significantly contribute to the shoplifting spree.
The court documents also mentioned media intrusion into Ms. Ghahraman’s personal life, although there was no evidence to support this claim. Please rewrite this sentence.
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