Already
on home detention for fraud offences, Matekitawhiti Tangitu then proceeded to
con $6500 out of another three victims from the comfort of her home. Unmoved by pleas for another sentence of home
detention, the High Court upheld a twelve month prison sentence for the further
three offences.
Justice Palmer said Tangitu has
demonstrated by her own actions that home detention is not likely to promote a
sense of responsibility for, or acknowledgement of, the harm done.
While on twelve month’s home detention for
prior offending, Tangitu talked three victims out of money in return for unfulfilled
promises of big returns. One paid up
$1000 following a promise to double their money in two days. Two other victims were told an old woman had
left $500,000 to the Catholic Church for the poor and needy. Payment up front could unlock a share of this
money. One victim paid $1500; another
$4000.
Tangitu
v. Police – High Court (18.10.16)
16.148