SINGAPORE - A 27-year-old Japanese flight stewardess was on Monday (Nov 16) fined $7,000 for stealing from shops in Paragon earlier this year.

Satoko Otaka, who was suffering from major depression with impulse control disorder at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft.

Another four charges of theft and one count of possession of stolen property were taken into consideration during sentencing.

The court heard that Otaka flew to Singapore on an All Nippon Airways flight early on Aug 4.

Fatigued, and with no sleep, she went to Paragon shopping centre in Orchard Road.

At about 12.20pm, a deputy manager at Marketplace supermarket detained Otaka for shoplifting and called the police.

Among other items she had taken from the shop were fruits, post cards, packaged soup and vegetable stock. The total value of the items was $171.74.

A Salvatore Ferragamo coin pouch, card holder and wallet were also found on her. The stolen branded items amounted to $1,750.

Police also found a Mizuno men's tights in her possession. The item from World Of Sports cost $165.90.

The shoplifting spree at seven shops in all lasted from 10.30am to 11am, and the total value of the stolen items was $2,356.14.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Goh Yi Ling asked the court to impose a fine on Otaka.

In mitigation, Otaka's lawyer Gary Low told the court that the offences were not premeditated nor committed for financial and material gain.

There was also no loss, and the stolen items were recovered.

Mr Low said his client, who was ascertained to be suffering from major depression and impulse control disorder at the time, is now receiving appropriate psychiatric treatment.

Mr Low asked for utmost leniency from the court, and for a fine of $6,000.

The penalty for theft is up to three years' jail, or a fine, or both.