A couple found guilty of receiving stolen goods have each been sentenced to 12 months’ probation supervision and to each pay reparation of more than $700.

Putere and Maara Dean appeared before Justices of the Peace Nadine Newnham, Tangi Taoro and Vania Kenning on Wednesday for sentencing, after admitting to receiving a number of stolen electronic devices linked to a burglary in November 2023.

The court heard that the burglary was reported to police on November 2, 2023, and items taken included laptop hard drives, a projector, PS4 video games and a blower.

The stolen items were later found to have been advertised for sale on the Facebook page “Buy and Sell Trade Cook Islands” by Maara Dean.

Following this, police executed a search warrant at the couple’s home in Arorangi on November 30, where a number of the stolen electronics were discovered. Some of the items were returned to the victim, although damaged.

Putere, 39, admitted to receiving the stolen goods from his wife and he was aware the items were stolen.

The court noted he had a prior conviction for receiving in 2013. He was well known to the justice system, although he had not reoffended since 2018.

Prosecution submitted that the offence was serious, should not be condoned, and that the couple should be held accountable to deter future offending.

Justice of the Peace Nadine Newnham, in sentencing Putere, said, “This is a serious offence and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment. We note that you have gained full-time employment and that you pleaded guilty early. We also note that you have not re-offended since 2018 and that demonstrates a clear effort by you to improve your life. As a result, we have given limited weight to your past record in today’s sentencing.”

Maara had no prior convictions, and the court accepted the joint recommendation from prosecution and defence for a 12-month probation sentence.

 “We would like to highlight that this is a serious offence carrying a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment. However, we know that you have gained full-time employment, you have no prior convictions and you pleaded guilty early.”

They were both convicted and sentenced to 12 months’ probation, with conditions to attend training workshops or counselling as directed by Probation Services.

They are to each pay $770.50 in reparation for the damaged goods and not to leave the country without the Court’s approval.

They were both ordered to pay $50 court costs each.