A Queenstown topless-bar owner was "habitually" and
"fundamentally" dishonest, Judge Stephen Coyle told the
Queenstown District Court yesterday.
Kelly Marie Denton (37), also known as Kelly McVey and Kelly
Smith, was sentenced to 290 hours' community work and nine
months' supervision for five charges of obtaining by
deception, one of dishonestly using a document and three of
failing to appear in court.
Judge Coyle said Denton's offending was planned, deliberate
and calculated.
Defence lawyer Nicole Murphy said Denton's family had been
helping her financially, but when that was no longer
forthcoming she had to travel back to Queenstown with no
money.
Her offending was out of "desperation".
She was taking responsibility and was remorseful, Ms Murphy
said.
She was willing to pay back her victims within two months as
she was starting a business and magazine.
The court heard Denton used her father's credit card 13 times
between July 7 and 24 to obtain goods and services worth
$2304 including flowers and airline tickets.
She also stole cheques from her mother's handbag and used
them to buy food and alcohol.
She took credit-card details from her partner's friend and
used them to obtain goods and services, including
accommodation, between September 2 and 5.
She also breached her bail conditions by failing to appear in
the Queenstown District Court on November 2, 16 and 30.
Judge Coyle said Denton's first reaction was to tell
"elaborate lies" to the police about being taken to hospital
by ambulance when she was supposed to be in court.
She had previous dishonesty convictions dating from 1997.
Judge Coyle said Denton had had a good upbringing and
education.
She won a Miss Horowhenua competition and was a finalist in
the Miss New Zealand competition.
"At some point, things went wrong for you," he said.
She had issues with alcohol abuse.
He did not accept her claims of remorse and willingness to
change her life, he said.
"You are fundamentally dishonest in nature.
"You offended without compunction, even against your family.
"You have no real understanding of the effect of offending on
other people."
Denton's topless bar Rolla opened in November but has since
closed.
A sign on the door says the closure is "pending finalisation
of lease and business purchase".
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.