Woman admits stealing $22,000 from former Kalbarri employer

A woman has admitted stealing more than $22,000 from her former employer while working in Kalbarri. The 50-year-old — who is not an Australian citizen — stole various sums of money from Pelican Shore Villas on more than a dozen occasions dating back to March 2016. Louise Garrard pleaded guilty in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on April 9 to 14 counts of stealing as a servant. Lawyer Melissa Wishart said Garrard, who now lives in Perth, was struggling financially and “unlikely to have the means to repay any large chunks of money” in the near future. Magistrate Chris Miocevich warned her jail loomed but said he would consider imposing a suspended sentence. “I understand you’re not in a good position financially, but I can indicate to you that any money repaid — especially if all of it is repaid — I would treat as a significant mitigating factor,” he said. “To put it quite bluntly, if that money is repaid, the worst I will do is give you a suspended sentence. “If it’s not repaid ... it still may be a suspended sentence, but I wouldn’t guarantee it.” Mr Miocevich extended Garrard’s bail and ordered a psychological report. She is due to reappear on June 29 for sentencing.