TV personality admits theft, fraud

A reality television personality has pleaded guilty to stealing from her employers.

The 31-year-old woman, who has been granted name suppression, admitted to one count of theft by a person in a special relationship and two charges of altering a document with intent to defraud.

The summary of facts states that during her employment she was in possession of a Mastercard which was in her manager's name.

She was also responsible for reconciling the card and providing supporting documentation to the company's finance department.

At the same time, she was also treasurer of another organisation, the summary says.

Between December 2019 and December 2020, the defendant used the card to pay for tickets to events, a flight, to purchase personal items, for a personal photo shoot and to pay for bills that were in the name of the organisation she was treasurer of.

When she was caught the woman admitted the offending, saying she had not received adequate training in her job, it was a mistake she had succumbed to social pressures to pay for events and she intended on paying the money back.

''When challenged about this the defendant admitted that she wanted to appear as the 'hero' to her friends and enjoyed the social pleasures of being able to go to social functions and shout her associates,'' the summary says.

She knew the credit card was an unlimited fund of money and she had continued to offend as she had not been caught after the first incident.

''The defendant finally admitted that she had no intention of paying the money back at the time of offending, however, now would like the opportunity to do so.''

Her lawyer indicated today that the woman intended to apply for a discharge without conviction.

She will reappear on May 31 for sentencing.

The suppression order means the Otago Daily Times is unable to report where the offending took place, the reality show the woman took part in, or where she appeared in court.