An Indonesian domestic worker pocketed $5,000 in red packets - but none of the money was meant for her.

Aprianah, 35, who goes by one name, became so fed up of being told off by her 90-year-old employer whenever he was in a bad mood that she stole the cash from him and fled back home.

She was sentenced to one month's jail for theft yesterday.

Investigation showed that Aprianah was leaving Mr Soh Meng Sing's home in Boon Lay Drive on her day off on Feb 26 last year when she noticed the key to Mr Soh's drawer had been left in the lock.

She went out but returned early and took a stack of red packets from the drawer.

Aprianah gathered her belongings and headed to HarbourFront Ferry Terminal before leaving for Batam.

She used some of the proceeds to buy a flight ticket back to her home island. There, she exchanged the rest of the stolen money and used it to pay her debts.

Mr Soh lodged a police report on Feb 27.

Aprianah was arrested on Feb 6 at Changi Airport when she re-entered Singapore.

No restitution was made.

District Judge Adam Nakhoda said she took advantage of a vulnerable victim whom she was supposed to take care of.

Aprianah, whose sentence was backdated to Feb 10, could have been jailed for up to three years and/or fined.

Elena Chong