MADDLYN Hamara, the former Coral Sea Casino dealer who stole gaming chips from the company in 2023, has been sentenced to two years in prison.
Hamara pleaded guilty to two counts of Larceny by Clerk and was sentenced on Monday by Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa.
In her sentencing remarks, Magistrate Pakoa emphasised that Hamara had systematically abused her position of trust as a casino dealer at the Coral Sea Resort.
“As a casino dealer, you were a cornerstone of the casino’s operation, which requires a combination of trust, integrity and professionalism,” Magistrate Pakoa told Hamara.
“Your actions not only undermined your role as a dealer but also the reputation and operational success of the Coral Sea Resort.”
Hamara claimed she resorted to stealing due to financial hardship, as a Member of Parliament had failed to assist her with her child’s school fees.
However, Magistrate Pakoa disagreed, stating that Hamara’s weekly earnings as a casino dealer were better than nothing and that there was no shortcut in life.
She said there are many out there trying to make ends meet with money even smaller than Hamara’s earning.
“I also believe that a majority of the dealers at Coral Sea Casino are often paid the same amount as you, but they do not want to risk their job, doing what you did.
“You are so fortunate to have been employed, a privilege that most Solomon Islanders your age do not have.
“Your previous employer saw that you were someone they could trust, hence their decision in employing you.
“Instead of being grateful, you went around and betrayed the trust placed on you.”
Hamara was found to have stolen 10 gold gaming chips valued at $1,000 each and four yellow chips on separate occasions.
She converted the 10 gold chips into cash, amounting to $10,000. Although the four yellow chips were returned, Hamara’s actions were highly condemned by the Magistrate.
The final sentence was 24 months for the first count and 22 months for the second count, with both counts to run concurrently. This means Hamara will serve only 24 months in prison.
Hamara was terminated from her job at the Coral Sea Casino the day after her arrest on 20 July 2023.
Rochelle Palmer of Public Solicitor’s Office represented the defendant, whilst Public Prosecutor Martha Mutukera appeared for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Newsroom
