Ghahraman’s shoplifting appeal dismissed

Former Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman’s second attempt to avoid conviction for a $9000 shoplifting spree has failed.

Ghahraman, who previously served as the Greens’ justice spokeswoman, was convicted and fined $1600 for theft in June.

Her defense sought a discharge without conviction, citing her mental health struggles, including complex PTSD, exacerbated by threats and abuse during her time in Parliament.

However, High Court Justice Geoffrey Venning upheld the initial ruling, stating that the consequences of conviction were not disproportionate to the severity of the offenses, which involved premeditated theft over four occasions.

The judge noted that while Ghahraman’s mental health condition contributed to her vulnerability, it was not necessarily the cause of her actions.

Despite the defense’s argument that her actions were out of character and reactive to personal trauma, the court found her conduct involved a deliberate effort to conceal stolen goods and evade detection.

The ruling diminishes her chances of resuming her legal career, though this decision ultimately rests with the Law Society.