Woman to front court over missing moggie

THE case involving an allegedly stolen kitten will head to case conferencing, a Charters Towers Magistrates Court has heard.

Kristy Lee Gillespie appeared in court charged with entering a dwelling and committing an indictable offence in relation to the missing kitten, known as Smokey.

Defence solicitor for Gillespie, Angela Pringle, said her client had a document to prove her kitten and Smokey were not one in the same.

Police prosecutor Cassandra Nitz said the kitten, which is subject of the charge, is a Russian blue cross rag doll.

She said it was alleged Gillespie entered the Racecourse Rd home belonging to the owner of the kitten using a back garage door to return a phone charger.

Ms Nitz said there were witnesses to support the allegations. She said after police received the complaint they attended Gillespie’s property and noted she was in possession of a cat that was identical to the one reported stolen.

But Ms Pringle said her client denied they were the same kitten.

Magistrate Viviana Keegan said it sounded like there was a story behind the charge.

“Why are we using court resources and serious charges for something like this?” Ms Keegan said.

Ms Nitz said the defendant was offered the chance to got to the Charters Towers Police Station.

“That did not occur. The police have taken up with her on two other occasions, that is when she has been arrested and placed on bail,” Ms Nitz said. She told the court she welcomed case conferencing and hoped it would resolve the matter.

Ms Keegan said she was surprised about the charge”.

The case was adjourned to November 30 for mention.

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