Henrietta Christine Stapleton was unanimously found guilty of 47 counts of theft in High Court Friday. But as long as she pays back the money she allegedly stole, along with a fine, she won’t see any time in prison.
Ms. Stapleton was accused of stealing more than $50,000 from a group of senior citizens who paid her to arrange a cruise for them through her travel agency “Cruise by Christine.”
The cruise was cancelled after Ms. Stapleton allegedly used the money “inappropriately,” according to the Crown. Charges were brought against her when the money was not returned.
“It was always my intention, still is my intention, to repay the money that was paid for the cruise, regardless of whether I was found guilty or not guilty,” Ms. Stapleton told the court before her sentencing.
Ms. Stapleton could have received a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but Justice Albert Redhead slapped her with a $20,000 fine to be paid by Aug. 31 instead. She was also ordered to pay back the full amount she was accused of stealing, $57,335, by Sept. 30.
“It’s your lucky day,” Mr. Redhead said.
See the July 12, 2012 edition for full coverage.
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