Brazen Bunnings theft

Woman’s ‘spur of moment’ offence earns heavy fine from court

A WOMAN’S brazen theft of a $900 chainsaw has earned her a large fine and a firm rebuke from a city magistrate.

The Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard Amanda Lee Ross, 33, had purchased some items from Bunnings in North Toowoomba but failed to pay for the Makita chainsaw, worth $899, in the pram she was pushing on February 22.

When confronted, Ross refused to let staff inspect the pram and she loaded the items in her car and drove out the car park.

Patrolling police intercepted the vehicle nearby about 1.40pm and, when questioned, Ross initially said the chainsaw belonged to her husband.

She later changed her story, telling police she knew Makita was a “good brand” and that she could “do with a chainsaw”.

Solicitor Brad Skuse, for Ross, said his client had not planned the theft and noted it had been returned to the store undamaged.

He described it was a “spur of the moment” theft, and his client had paid for other items from the store.

Mr Skuse said his client accepted it was a “stupid, foolish thing” to do.

Magistrate Catherine Pirie noted a previous entry on Ross’ criminal history for stealing, which was of concern.

“This is not a cheap item you stole,” she said.

“It’s an expensive item and pretty blatant offence.”

Ms Pirie fined the motherof-five $700 for the single charge of stealing, but did not record a conviction.

Ms Pirie told Ross that fines handed down by courts in punishment for her actions was “effectively taking money out of your children’s mouths”.