Two years for violent thief

Woman with troubled background sentenced to prison for ‘poorly planned’ robbery

A YOUNG woman who said she started using drugs and alcohol and chroming when she was 12 or 13 years old has been sentenced for robbery with violence in Cairns District Court.

Pellista Kanak, 24, pleaded guilty over the incident at Westcourt Shopping Centre on June 11 last year.

She entered a shop and made a cash transaction and when the shop attendant opened the till, snatched about $300.

The shop attendant resisted, which resulted in her having her finger jammed in the till, and when she further resisted, she was struck in the arm.

Prosecutor Tim Watkins outlined Kanak’s lengthy criminal history which included similar offences.

Defence barrister Tim Grau said the robbery was unsophisticated and had some element

Kanak of spontaneity. He said Kanak had surgery last March for an ectopic pregnancy, her relationship broke down and she was homeless at the time.

“She was couch surfing and her attempt to steal cash was to obtain money for food and accommodation,” Mr Grau said.

“She was reluctant to discuss her childhood much.

“Your honour would be aware of the result of young people using drugs and alcohol at an early age, the impact on development, and interrupted schooling, being indicators of future involvement in the justice system, plus homelessness."

He said Kanak’s mother lived on Thursday Island and she had indicated she wished to return there.

Mr Grau said Kanak had done some hospitality and business training and had sought mental health help for anxiety during her 214 days in custody.

“She is remorseful and recognises it would have been quite scary for the shop attendant,” Mr Grau said.

“Despite her difficult upbringing, she has worked on a NSW sheep farm and on banana farms in the Tully region.”

Sentencing Kanak to two years imprisonment with a parole release date of March 14 with 214 days’ time served, Judge Deborah Richards said Kanak had obviously not had a very stable past six years.

“When I look at your criminal history, I see a young woman in and out of custody, it’s no way to live really,” Judge Richards said.

“In your favour, there was no weapon involved, and it does seem to have been poorly planned.

“I understand you were homeless and short of funds but for the girl behind the register, it must have been terrifying,” she said.