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| Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where the theft took place (Google Maps photo) |
A Filipina was jailed for 10 weeks today for stealing three gold chains from her elderly employer while she was in a hospital.
Geraldine Manzano, 43, had earlier denied stealing the gold
chains from female Cheung Yuk Mui, who sebsequently died, but was convicted at
the conclusion of her trial at the Kowloon City Court.
Among the evidence presented by the prosecution were two pawnshop receipts recovered from Manzano, showing that she pawned two of the gold chains for a total of $4,800.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
The other gold chain could no longer be traced.
Deputy Magistrate Simon Kwong said the gold chains were likely worth
more than the pawned amount, not to mention the sentimental value to the late owner’s family.
Manzano’s lawyer urged Magistrate Kwong to be lenient in
punishing her, because she has already suffered the consequences of her
offence, having been jobless for six weeks and dependent on relatives for sustenance.
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| TAWAG NA! |
The lawyer sought a suspended sentence so that Manzano can go home to take care of her elderly mother and four children, three of whom are still studying.
But Kwong rejected the suggestion, saying the offense
requires a jail sentence.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
He said an aggravating fact about the theft was the breach of trust, where Manzano took advantage of her relationship with the dying victim.
The theft took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kowloon
on Oct. 3, 2023.
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