A 36-year-old British woman was fined S$5,000 for a theft spree at Changi Airport that spanned over an hour and forty minutes, during which she stole various items worth more than S$600 from multiple retail outlets.
The woman, Tanya Bridget Hughes, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft according to CNA, while an additional five charges were taken into consideration.
The incident took place on May 31, the day Hughes was set to board a 4:10 PM flight to Bali.
WHAT SHE STOLE :
Tanya Bridget Hughes stole the following items during her theft spree at Changi Airport:
- Estee Lauder eye cream products – worth more than S$158
- Black shoulder bag and attached pouch from Charles & Keith – worth over S$82
- Two books:
- The Daily Stoic
- Atomic Habits (Total worth nearly S$37)
4. Two neck pillows – worth about S$50 each (total of about S$100)
5. Two trays of chocolates – worth about S$46 in total
6. Four tubes of La Roche Posay sun block and moisturiser – worth about S$154 in total
7. Water tumbler from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – worth S$59.90
In total, the stolen items were worth more than S$600.
DETAILS OF THE CASE :
Hughes began her theft at The Shilla Cosmetics and Perfumes Outlet around 1 PM, where she browsed the Estee Lauder section. She concealed a pack of eye cream products valued at over S$158 in her bag, subsequently paid for two other items at the cashier, and exited without paying for the eye cream.
According to the report, her thieving spree continued at Charles & Keith, where she stole a black shoulder bag and pouch worth over S$82. Hughes then proceeded to WHSmith book store and pilfered two books — The Daily Stoic and Atomic Habits — totaling nearly S$37.
At a 7-Eleven outlet, she additionally stole two neck pillows, each valued at around S$50, and two trays of chocolates worth approximately S$46. The crime spree culminated with her theft of four tubes of La Roche-Posay sunblock and moisturizer, amounting to about S$154, and a water tumbler worth S$59.90 from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Authorities apprehended Hughes as she was caught in the act, leading to her arrest.
During the sentencing hearing on September 5, the prosecutor argued for a fine of at least S$5,000, highlighting the leniency already shown in reducing the charges, given that Hughes originally faced eight counts of theft.
The prosecutor pointed out that the “aggravating factors,” including the number of items stolen and the deliberate nature of her actions, warranted a higher penalty.
The prosecutor said, “S$5,000 is lenient because it’s not going to be crushing on the accused. The accused has sustained herself in Singapore on rental income, and along the way, managed to hire esteemed counsel.”
The charges “are already reduced” said the prosecutor as per the report.
In her defense, Hughes’ lawyer, Jeremy Mark Pereira, expressed his client’s embarrassment and remorse over her actions, asserting that this was her first encounter with the law. He highlighted her commitment to seeking help and stated that she was determined to never offend again.
Hughes’ lawyer, Mr. Jeremy Mark Pereira, expressed regret to the court for his client’s tardiness, stating that “two of the Grab cars she had booked canceled on her.”
“At the outset, my client is deeply embarrassed and sorry for her conduct. This is the first time she is in trouble with the law anywhere in the world,” said Mr Pereira according to report.
He mentioned that Hughes “has issues” for which she needs medication, but did not elaborate on what those issues are.
Deputy Principal District Judge Ong Chin Rhu acknowledged the circumstances surrounding Hughes’ behavior but stressed the need to consider the extent of her criminal actions that day.
Concluding that the fine proposed by the prosecution was reasonable, she imposed it without hesitation.
Hughes has since paid the fine in full.
Under Singapore law, she could have faced a maximum penalty of up to three years in prison for each count of theft, as well as fines.
Image via google for illustration
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