Former Massey Univ. librarian Karen Churton, nabbed back in March as part of the ongoing Operation Pukapuka investigations in New Zealand, has been sentenced to a whopping eleven months in prison after admitting the theft of six rare books worth more than $23,000 from the library where she was employed.
"In sentencing, Judge Gregory Ross said Churton's offending involved a significant breach of trust and some of the rare books may never be recovered. He noted she had paid full reparation of more than $23,000 prior to sentencing and granted her leave to apply for home detention." Isn't that nice, now she'll probably get to spend her 11 months at home, rather than in jail.
Radio New Zealand adds that Churton's lawyer says she'll be appealing the sentence; she's been remanded to jail while the appeal is pending. Maybe the higher court will realize what a slap on the wrist this sentence is and increase it ... yes, I know, pigs fly, &c.
