Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Police have confirmed a fourth shoplifting charge has been laid against former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman.
In response to questions from RNZ about reports of additional shoplifting charges against the 43 year old, a police spokesperson confirmed a fourth charge of shoplifting had been filed.
The spokesperson said the new charge relates to an incident in Newmarket on 22 December and was reported to police in late January.
The charge sheet shows Ghahraman is accused of stealing a navy cardigan valued at $389 from Standard Issue.
Ghahraman was due to appear in the Auckland District Court on 28 February for her first appearance but will now appear on 20 March.
Ghahraman's earlier charges relate to the alleged theft of nearly $10,000 worth of goods from two other boutiques.
She is accused of stealing $695 worth of clothing from Wellington's Cre8iveworx store on 22 October.
She is also charged with stealing $7223 of items from Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby on 21 December and $2060 worth of goods from the same store on 23 December.
The charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of seven years if convicted.
Ghahraman resigned as an MP after the shoplifting allegations came to light.
In a statement, she said stress relating to her work had led her to "act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them".
"The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma," she said.