FDH arrested at airport for stealing diamonds

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A Filipino domestic helper who was returning to Hong Kong to work for a new employer was arrested at the airport for stealing diamonds.

 

Imelda A.C. pleaded guilty to one charge of theft before Eastern Magistrate Lee Siu-ho after admitting to taking one diamond pendant and one diamond ring, worth a total of $40,000, from her former employer.

 

“Her father was sick and needed money for his operation. Her relatives in the Philippines asked for help but she did not have money so she committed the offense,” Imelda’s lawyer told the court yesterday (April 19).

 

Imelda stole the diamond ring and diamond pendant last year while still working for her former employer. She pawned the jewelry for $6,000, which she sent to the Philippines.

 

Imelda went home to the Philippines but, unknown to her, the theft was discovered in February and the police were able to trace the missing jewelry to the pawnshop.

 

When Imelda flew back to Hong Kong earlier this month, she was arrested at the Chek Lap Kok International airport upon arrival.

 

“She was arrested at the airport earlier this month. Why on earth did she enter Hong Kong?” Judge Lee asked Imelda’s lawyer.

 

“She had a new employment contract (but) she was not able to report to her new employer,” the lawyer said.

 

The Filipino woman’s husband, who is working as a driver in Hong Kong, told the court that he could raise $5,000 in effort to compensate Imelda’s former employer.

 

Judge Lee said that Imelda’s jail sentence would be shorter if she could compensate the victim.

 

Judge Lee also reset Imelda’s sentencing to April 27 after her lawyer asked the prosecution to show proof that the pawnshop had already sold the stolen jewelry after Imelda failed to get them back.

 

The lawyer said that Imelda would have to pay a smaller amount for damages if it were shown that the stolen pieces of jewelry were still in the pawnshop and could be returned to their owner.