A FINANCIAL consultant who was convicted of shoplifting from an international jewellery exhibition was placed on probation yesterday. Kwok Po-cheung, 37, had denied stealing one necklace and one brooch worth US$295 (HK$2,280) from a booth displaying Kai-Yin Lo Ltd's items at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 4 last year. She was convicted on February 22. Magistrate Stephen Geiser placed her on 12 months' probation after reading a probation report and a psychiatric report. The magistrate said he believed Kwok had an unhappy childhood. She was brought up in a traditional family, where boys were favoured. According to the reports, Kwok was emotionally deprived and had suicidal tendencies. The probation officer said her divorce made the situation worse, as she had to move back to her parents' home. Mr Geiser, placing Kwok on probation, said she needed help rather than punishment. Eastern Court heard Kwok visited Kai-Yin Lo's booth and viewed semi-precious stones. Later, a staff member discovered a necklace and a brooch were missing. Kwok was searched, and the two items were found in her glasses case.
