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Guilty plea in Newton handbag case

A Hampton East woman pleaded guilty today to stealing Patti Newton’s jewellery-laden handbag at Chadstone shopping centre in May.

In the Melbourne Magistrates Court today, Rachael Ward, 34, faced counts of theft, possession of stolen property, two counts of obtaining property by deception and two counts of handling stolen goods. She will remain in custody.

A police summary tendered to the court said that on May 16, Patti and Lauren Newton were having lunch at Cafe Vini Spuntini when Ward made a commotion at the counter.

Police allege that, acting with Ward, Benjamin Thorpe then took Mrs Newton’s bag from under her seat.

Thorpe will appear in the magistrates court on September 3.

Among the items stolen were a four-and-a-half carat diamond bangle, two other diamond bangles, four rings, diamond earrings, a set of rosary beads Mrs Newton’s mother was holding as she died, and $2000 cash.

“As a result of this incident, I have been left feeling that my privacy has been invaded. I am upset at the theft of my belongings, as a lot of them had significant personal and sentimental meaning to me and my family,” Mrs Newton said.

At the time she estimated the value of the haul at $130,000, but the court heard today that it was closer to $80,000.

Some of the items had also been recovered and returned to Mrs Newton.

Magistrate Sarah Dawes remanded Ward in custody to appear in the County Court for a plea hearing on January 19.

Source: The Age

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