Former vet's practice bookkeeper Louise Bowker, convicted of misappropriating over R1 million, escaped direct imprisonment on Thursday 8 May.
In mitigation of the sentence, the defense called psychologist Joan Campbell who told the court that it would be devastating for Bowker's two young children if she were to be sentenced to direct imprisonment.
Former vet's practice bookkeeper Louise Bowker, convicted of misappropriating over R1 million, escaped direct imprisonment on Thursday 8 May.
In mitigation of the sentence, the defense called psychologist Joan Campbell who told the court that it would be devastating for Bowker's two young children if she were to be sentenced to direct imprisonment.
Bowker, a former employee of Grahamstown vet Dr Phillip Gilfillan, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment at the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court yesterday. The sentence, however, was wholly suspended for a period of five years.
The sentence comes with strict conditions, including six hours of community service every weekday.
Prosecutor Ronel Brink said Bowker will perform community service without compensation for the full duration of the sentence, for six hours of every school day. The community service will consist of teaching, tutoring or any related activities.
The community service will be carried out at Ashbury Primary School, in Montagu.
The former bookkeeper has also been placed under house arrest for the full duration of the correctional supervision period, from 6pm to 7am. Court documents say the house arrest doesn't apply during the periods Bowker is doing community service or programmes set out in her sentence; attending church services or related activities. Medical appointments and her children's school-related activities are other leniencies.
Other conditions in the sentence include paying compensation in the amount of R680 604.82 to Gilfillan within one week after the restraint order on the available funds has been rescinded.
According to the terms of her house arrest, Bowker may not change her residential or work address or leave her magisterial district without notifying the commissioner. She may not use alcohol or drugs, unless prescribed by a medical practitioner.
She shall report to the commissioner at Robertson Community Corrections at 8am on 12 May 2014.
If Bowker is convicted of a crime of which dishonesty is an element during the five-year suspension, she will be imprisoned without the option of a fine.
Bowker was found guilty of theft in the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on 3 June 2013.
