MONTEGO BAY, St James – A 48-year-old woman who was captured on surveillance footage discreetly placing a businessman’s mobile phone in her handbag while he was momentarily distracted had a hefty fine imposed on her when she appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Wendy Porter, who is from St James, pleaded guilty to simple larceny when she appeared before presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley.

According to court documents, on July 11 last year, about 1:50 pm, the complainant was at his business place on Barnett Street when he left his mobile phone on the counter and walked to another location.

The complainant returned a few minutes later to retrieve his phone, but it was not there.

The businessman checked the surveillance camera system, which revealed Porter picking up the phone and discreetly placing it in her handbag.

The incident was reported to the Barnett Street police, and Porter was arrested and charged.

Porter was found in possession of the phone when she was arrested, and it had also been wiped.

Porter, who had no legal representation, informed the court on Wednesday that she would be speaking for herself, prompting the judge to sentence her.

Smith-Ashley stated during the sentencing hearing that Porter was not setting a good example for her children.

“How do you think your children feel knowing that their mother has been charged with stealing,” the judge asked before ordering her to pay a $30,000 fine or spend 30 days in jail.