Former Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman, convicted in June for shoplifting nearly $9000 worth of high-end retail items, has filed an appeal seeking a discharge without conviction.
During her sentencing at the Auckland District Court, Judge June Jelas denied the discharge, imposing fines and court costs.
The appeal hearing is before Justice Geoffrey Venning.
Ghahraman’s defense hinges on a diagnosis of complex PTSD, attributed to her war-torn upbringing in Iran and the public abuse she endured as an MP.
Her lawyer described the shoplifting as “loss-reactive” behaviour linked to a mental health crisis.
However the Crown argued the mental health connection was tenuous, pointing out the premeditated nature of the offending.
McClintock highlighted the breach of public trust involved, given Ghahraman’s prominent role as a former barrister and parliamentarian.
Hey Ghahraman, you are a convicted thief (and a green communist) and your bullsh*t excuse of “loss-reactive behaviour” doesn’t cut it. Suck it up buttercup.
Even rats hush away quickly when found out.
It takes a whopper portion of entitlement and arrogance to whimper about society’s disgust.