Mail theft alleged in mother's crime spree

A GOLD Coast mother was allegedly caught stealing mail from a Surfers Paradise tower in a three-week crime spree that included stealing thousands of dollars worth of goods.

Krystle Anne Hua Mantell, a mother of six, is also accused of stealing $40,000 in jewellery from an Arundel home and a large amount of drugs from a Benowa chemist.

She allegedly committed the first in her crime spree just six days after she was released on bail on December 14, the Southport Magistrates Court was told.

Mantell was denied bail on Tuesday when she faced 11 charges including theft of mail, wilful damage, entering a premises to commit an indictable offence and forgery.

She appeared in court via telephone link as she was in isolation due to the pandemic.

Magistrate Catherine Pirie said she found Mantell an unacceptable risk of reoffending because she had already been granted bail.

“Six days later it has been alleged you have committed another enter dwelling and wilful damage. You were arrested on January 4 because you were caught in the act of stealing mail from the Chevron Renaissance in Surfers Paradise.”

The court was told Mantell was also caught on CCTV in recent weeks breaking into the Chempro Chemist at Benowa and stealing a large amount of medications. She was also allegedly caught on CCTV trying to cash a forged $4000 cheque at a Commonwealth Bank.

It is alleged Mantell stole the cheque book, forged a cheque and then tried to cash it.

Ms Pirie said other allegations included breaking into an Arundel home and stealing $40,000 in jewellery and $8000 in handbags.

Mantell’s DNA was found in the home, it is alleged. Mantell was also allegedly caught on CCTV stealing footwear from a shop in Pacific Fair.

Defence lawyer Lee Quinn, of Hannay Lawyers, said Mantell was living with her uncle in Surfers Paradise.

He said her uncle was willing to put up a $5000 surety. The case returns to court on January 14.