The accused pleaded guilty to theft over involving the theft of thirty-two Blackberry Smart Phones valued at approximately $14,368 from his employer, Research in Motion, over a seven-month period.
The accused, a 48-year-old first-time offender with no criminal record, was employed in a position of trust at RIM and sold the phones to a hairstylist for $2,000.
The court imposed a conditional discharge with 18 months probation, including community service and restitution, finding that despite the breach of trust, the offender's personal circumstances, genuine remorse, rehabilitation efforts, and positive antecedents warranted a discharge rather than custody.
