Guilty but no conviction on shoplift hauls

A DISABILITY pensioner who went on a shoplifting spree targeting multiple stores at Stockland Townsville Shopping Centre has escaped having a conviction recorded.

Kelly Anne O’shea, 42, stole eight items totalling $439 on two occasions this year.

Townsville Magistrates Court heard O’shea stole three books worth $21 from a pop-up kiosk in the centre.

She then stole $89 worth of fresh food and toiletries from Woolworths, the court heard.

O’shea also stole three pairs of sunglasses valued at $89.85, a $30 retro lamp, a throw rug worth $4, and a $57 multi-coloured rug. The court heard O’shea also stole slippers, sandals and a pet groomer from Big W, totalling $80.

Stockland security tracked O’shea after her stealing spree, questioning her over the items. Police prosecutor Constable Benjamin Lloyd told the court police confiscated the stolen goods.

“The defendant accompanied police to the Stockland Beat and was found to be in possession of a large amount of property. The defendant stated she only had receipts for some of the items,” he said.

“Police observed the defendant to be wearing the sandals on her feet and had the price tag in her bag.”

Following the offending on May 11, the court heard on May 23 O’shea was caught on CCTV concealing down her pants a $30 puzzle from a Gulliver shop.

Police attended O’shea’s address in June and questioned her about the goods.

O’shea pleaded guilty eight counts of stealing.

The court heard O’shea to had a one-page criminal history and had also been charged with shoplifting in 2017.

O’shea’s defence lawyer told the court her client was on the disability pension after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

“Whilst there is no excuse for her conduct, there were a number of issues going on in her life at the time,” she said.

“She was at rock-bottom in her life at that time.”

Magistrate Viviana Keegan said the items O’shea swiped were for greed and not need.

“On the 11th of May, that was a shoplifting spree and on that day you were given a notice to appear to come to court,” she said. “Then later on the 23rd of May you are stealing other items, they are not items of necessity.”

O’shea was placed on six months’ probation and convictions were not recorded.