Filipino domestic worker in HK guilty of stealing from Japanese clothing store

Image: INQUIRER.net stock photo

A Filipino domestic worker in Hong Kong pleaded guilty to one charge of theft after stealing items from a Uniqlo store.

The woman, identified only as Lulu A.P., was sentenced to three days in prison by Eastern Principal Magistrate Peter Law, as per Hong Kong News on April 17. Her sentence, however, was suspended by Judge Law for a year, meaning she would not have to serve jail time if she does not commit any other offense in the next 12 months.

Lulu apparently took eight pairs of socks and boxer shorts from the Japanese clothing store, as well as three umbrellas and a handbag. She then stuffed the items in her backpack and walked out of the store, triggering the alarms.

The incident occurred last March 17 at the store’s Causeway Bay branch. She was not able to show any sales receipt to the store officials and was arrested by the police later on. She initially pleaded not guilty, but changed her plea after being convinced by a friend.

Lulu was already planning to fly back to the Philippines before the incident happened and requested during her hearing to be allowed to go home.

“Ako po ay nakikiusap kung pwede ako i-allow na maka-uwi na ng Pilipinas (I am asking if I can be allowed to go home to the Philippines),” she was quoted as saying. “Handa na akong umuwi for good bago nangyari ito (I was ready to go home and stay there for good before this happened).”

Another Filipino domestic worker was found stealing from the same Uniqlo store last November. The woman, who was “fined $1,200,” took a pair of jeans and a black jacket. Cody Cepeda/JB

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