Sentencing — shoplifting — good character — New Zealand Police v Ghahraman [2024] NZDC 14690. The defendant was to be sentenced for charges of shoplifting. Although imprisonment was the accepted start point, the Court considered other factors to determine the most appropriate sentence. The Court considered the defendant's early guilty plea, remorse, good character, professional and personal history of trauma, proactive steps to address the offending, media attention and the punitive consequence of the offending such as the loss of employment and effects on her mental health. The Court decided to impose a fine of $1,600 and Court costs of $260. Judgment Date: 27 June 2024