Tania Hemmingsen, a 42-year-old Canberra woman, has been sentenced in the ACT Supreme Court to two years and ten months in prison for a series of theft and driving offences. The sentencing took place on Friday, with Justice Michael Elkaim presiding.
Details of the Offences
Hemmingsen pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of theft, two counts of driving while disqualified, and one count of taking a motor vehicle without consent. The theft charges involved stealing from a 78-year-old woman who had dementia, taking approximately $10,000 from her bank account over several months in 2018. Hemmingsen had been hired as a cleaner for the victim and used her access to the woman's home to steal bank cards and withdraw cash.
In addition, Hemmingsen drove a stolen vehicle in 2019 and was caught driving while disqualified on two separate occasions in 2020. She had a prior criminal record, including convictions for dishonesty and driving offences.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the sentencing, Justice Elkaim highlighted the breach of trust involved in the theft from the elderly victim. "You took advantage of a vulnerable person who trusted you," he said. The court also noted that Hemmingsen had a history of substance abuse, which contributed to her offending. Her lawyer argued that she had taken steps towards rehabilitation, including engaging with drug and alcohol counselling.
Justice Elkaim sentenced Hemmingsen to two years and ten months in prison, with a non-parole period of one year and eight months. She will be eligible for parole in April 2024. The sentence was backdated to account for time already served in custody.
Impact on the Victim
The victim's family provided a victim impact statement, describing the emotional and financial toll of the theft. The elderly woman, who has since moved into aged care, was left feeling unsafe and betrayed. The family stated that the incident has had a lasting impact on her wellbeing.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the importance of safeguarding them from financial exploitation. According to the ACT Office of the Public Advocate, cases of elder abuse, including financial abuse, are underreported, and this sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences for perpetrators.
