Shoplifting becoming ‘compulsive’

A YOUNG Toowoomba mother’s shoplifting was getting to the stage of compulsion and so she has been placed on probation to get her help.

Mother of two Kara Jade Weribone didn’t need the items she had stolen and her behaviour was approaching compulsion, her solicitor Joe Millican told Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

The 22-year-old was already on probation for similar offending when she loaded up a shopping trolley of clothing and other items to the value of $1014.95 from Target Grand Central on the afternoon of

April 17, the court heard.

After scanning the items, she had then left without paying, police prosecutor Chris Willson told the court.

She was then seen by a staff member to get into a car with other people which drove away.

Senior Constable Willson said Weribone had also shoplifted two items from Kmart Grand Central on January 17 to the value of $58 and had left without paying despite being challenged by a staff member.

Weribone pleaded guilty to both counts of stealing.

Mr Millican said his client had two sons, one aged three who lived with her and another aged seven who lived with her brother in Mackay.

His client had discussed her offending with her probation officer and rather than take action on that order it was envisaged that a mental health plan would be sought to help her.

However, Acting Magistrate Lisa O’Neill said a lengthier period of probation was warranted.

She placed Weribone on 12 months probation and ordered she make restitution of $1072.95.