PENSIONER THEFT GUILT

She took kids clothes to help daughter escape DV

A GOLD Coast pensioner fronted court for the first time in her life yesterday, charged with stealing almost $400 of children’s clothing.

The woman, aged in her 70s, said she took 31 items from Best & Less to help her daughter who was escaping a domestic violence situation.

AN ELDERLY woman shook with fear as she faced court for stealing almost $400 worth of children’s clothes from a Gold Coast shop.

Raewyn Alice Jane Brammer claimed she had taken the clothes to help her daughter, who was escaping a domestic violence situation.

Brammer, aged in her 70s, only spoke once in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to quietly say she wished to plead guilty to stealing.

It was the first time she had been before the courts.

A handwritten apology from Brammer was also tendered to the court.

Magistrate Kay Philipson convicted Brammer but imposed no further punishment.

“For someone of your age to be before the courts with no criminal history is rare,” she said.

Ms Philipson said she took into account all items Brammer had taken from Best & Less at Robina were returned.

Brammer appeared in court dressed in her Sunday best, with her blonde hair held by a black clip in an elaborate up-do and with meticulous make-up. She wore a bright red cardigan over a black blouse and slacks.

Her body visibly shook as police prosecutor Senior Constable Rachel France read through what happened.

She told the court Brammer was first spotted by staff at Best & Less taking a number of items into a changing room in a shopping trolley about 6.15pm on September 13.

When Brammer left, she was not carrying the items and they were not in the changing room, the court was told.

Sen Const France said staff stopped Brammer and she returned to the store.

She attempted to leave for a second time when she was stopped again by staff.

“She attempted to leave for a third time and used her mobile phone as a reason for not stopping,” Sen Const France said.

The court was told the items were found on Brammer’s person and were counted in the manager’s office.

A total of 31 items were found worth $392 and all were able to be returned.

Sen Const France said Brammer told police she was helping her daughter, who was escaping a domestic violence situation.

“She was at a loss to explain why she stole the items,” Sen Const France said.

If you need help in a domestic violence situation, call DV Connect on 1800 811 811.