Ms Idiry Henrietta Breedt’s case finally got concluded after the magistrate found her guilty on the three charges of theft she faced. Her trial came before Court E when the magistrate sentenced her to five years imprisonment with five years suspended provided she does not commit a similar offence to this in the time frame given.
The chilly morning of May 12 saw Breedt alongside her advocate and attorney walked in court for the proceedings.
This case dates back to 2009 when she stole R85 000 from Mr Johan Steyn, R150 000 from Mr Dirk Meyer and R60 000 from Mr Richard Cook.
“She told me she had a big project lined up at the mines and needed money to buy piping material. I gave her the money but she never paid me back. When I phoned her she told me she was waiting on an engineer who needs to sign the job off. It will only be then that she will be able to pay me back,” said Meyer.
Cook said Breedt told him she was involved in an R 1 million deal which will see her pay back the money in no time.
“She was a friend so I trusted her, but unfortunately she never paid back the money,” said Cook.
The case was postponed to this day for evidence by a correctional services officer and
a probation officer regarding the possibility for a sentence of correctional supervision
The Correctional Services Officer was first to take the stand, with the ultimate question being if Breedt was fit to go to jail. The report suggested that the 56-year-old woman is suitable and fit for correctional supervision instead of being sent to jail.
Miss Idiry Breedt who was facing charges of theft had her case concluded on May 12. (Photo: supplied)
Next was the probation officer who has been working with the Department of Social Development for 10 years and is experienced in compiling such reports for the court. Her report was filed as exhibit C. The probation officer also uttered the same words spoken by the correctional services officer that Breedt should not be sent to jail as she is attached to her grandchildren amongst other reasons.
In the 56-year-old woman’s statement read by her advocate, it read that she asked the court not to send her to jail as she is a first time offender who did not waste the court’s time but pleaded guilty on the charges she faced. It shows that she did show remorse for her actions. Pertaining to the money she owes the three men she said she could not pay it back as she is unemployed and depends on her two sons for everything. With all the above stated reasons her advocate suggested to the magistrate that sending his client to jail must be the last option.
Prior to reading his findings of the case, there silence in court where you could literally hear a pin drop. The magistrate did indicate that what Breedt did was indeed cruel as she stole the complainant’s pension money.
She was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an additional five years on condition that she is not convicted of a similar crime that was committed during the time of suspension. She had a right to appeal the sentences where if she decides to, the appeal request must be handed in within 14 days. She also had the right to posses a firearm.
The magistrate informed the victims that they can institute a civil action against Breedt.
She still has a pending case at the Middelburg Magistrate Court where she is set to appear on July 1.
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