Theft from guests

Press, 8 September 1980, Page 13

Theft from guests

PA Auckland A duty manager bf the Hotel Intercontinental in Auckland stole more than $4OOO from guests’ rooms so that he could pay the bills for his sister’s wedding in Malaysia, the District Court at Auckland heard. . t . Judge J. H. >lall sentenced Johnson KoshiVergis, aged 31, unemployed, of Mt Eden, to six mqnths periodic detention on‘ two charges of stealing $844 in Australian currency, belonging to the Police Department, and! $3606 from persons unknown. Koshi-Vergis had pleaded guilty. The Court had been told that on August 8 a police officer booked into a room, then went to the hotel dining room, leaving

his wallet in a jacket in the wardrobe. Hie room was watched by the police and KoshiVergis was seen to enter the room with his pass key." On leaving he was found to have $844 on him. He later admitted stealing $3606 from guests’ rooms since June.. His counsel (Mr N. J. Cahill) said Koshi-Vergis was the eldest of six children. His father had died in Malaysia in February, 1979, while plans were under way for his sister’s marriage.

Koshi-Vergis later received letters from his uncles pressing hirri, as head of the household, to revive the wedding plans and arrange for his sister's. dowry.

Koshi-Vergis had flown to Malaysia for.the wedding in May this year and the wedding, which cost $lO,OOO, was a “lavish one. as is custom.” As the head of the family the /cost of it fell on Koshi-Vergis.

It was not until after he had returned to New Zealand and numerous bills arrived that the enormity of the cost became apparent to him. Under financial strain, Koshi-Vergis committed the offences.

The judge said that he accepted that the marriage involved Koshi-Vergis in considerable expense, but it could not excuse what he did.

He ordered Koshi-Vergis to pay restitution of $3606.