Sara Huegill seeks to have shoplifting charge heard under Mental Health Act
SOCIALITE Sara Huegill, accused of stealing a pair of leather pants worth almost $2000 from a Byron Bay store, is seeking to have her shoplifting charge dealt with under the Mental Health Act.
NSW
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SOCIALITE Sara Huegill — the publicist wife of Olympian Geoff Huegill — is seeking to have her shoplifting charge dealt with under the Mental Health Act.
Huegill was due to appear before Byron Bay Local Court this morning for the first time since being charged with stealing a pair of leather pants worth almost $2000 from Byron Bay’s most exclusive clothes boutique in May.
Today her lawyer Paul Hunt asked the court if he could adjourn his client’s matter so that they could prepare for a section 32 inquiry.
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Outside of court Mr Hunt declined to make any comment to a waiting media pack.
The matter has been adjourned to August 10.
Police allege Huegill was caught with the black pants stuffed in her hand bag after an eagle-eyed Island Luxe Tribe store manager followed her down the street and flagged down two mounted police officers.
The Bassike “leather cropped high rise pants”, retail for $1895. Huegill was taken to Byron Bay police station where she was charged with shoplifting on Sunday, May 13.
She was given a court attendance notice to appear before Byron Bay Local Court today.
According to the police charge sheet the 34-year-old was charged with larceny — property less than $2000.
“Between 2.10pm and 2.20pm on 13/05/2018 at Byron Bay did steal property to the value of $1895, to wit, black leather cropped high rise pants the property of Island Luxe Tribe clothing and homewares store Byron Bay,” the charge sheet said.
At the time Huegill declined to comment and instead got her lawyers to release a statement to the media.
“Sara deeply regrets the incident and apologises unreservedly,” the statement said.
“Sara has made good progress recently in being treated for issues related to anxiety and depression and acknowledges this is a setback. She has asked for privacy and understanding for her family at this time.”
It’s not the first time Huegill has been charged with an offence.
She and Geoff were caught with cocaine at Randwick races and both placed on a six-month good behaviour bond in 2010.