Jacinta Stannard pleaded guilty to theft of cosmetics at Drakes supermarket with son present

A mother who copped a spray for her “totally inappropriate” choice in bringing her son along to watch her plead guilty did not make the same mistake twice.

A thief who was told by a magistrate to avoid being an example of what not to do as a parent learnt her lesson and did not bring her son with her to her next court appearance.

Jacinta Charlotte Stannard, 46, appeared alone in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, after receiving a scolding for her “totally inappropriate” decision.

During her last hearing in November, Magistrate Brett Dixon asked Stannard why she had brought her son to watch her get prosecuted for theft.

“You think this is being a good role model for him?” he asked.

Stannard replied that she hoped he learnt from her mistakes.

Jacinta Stannard pleaded guilty to theft. Picture: Facebook

“I think it’s totally inappropriate to bring your children along to court with you,” Mr Dixon said.

“You should be an example for him, not an example of what not to do.”

A police prosecutor told the court in November, a Newton Drakes supermarket employee saw Stannard put various cosmetics, valued at $45, into her bag on June 18.

“She’s (the employee) seen a female and a juvenile male in the store,” the prosecutor said.

“The pair have made their way to the front of the store.

“The female has made payment for some chocolates but no attempt was made to pay for the products concealed in the handbag.”

Police attended and Stannard made admissions but said her son who was with her had no involvement in the theft.

Her son is not accused of any wrongdoing.

“She said she took the items because she was broke, but it was a stupid thing to do,” the police prosecutor said.

Stannard, of Holden Hill, pleaded guilty to theft.

The court previously heard Stannard had prior convictions for theft, as well as receiving a suspended sentence for manufacturing a controlled drug.

After hearing Stannard’s criminal history, Mr Dixon said he would give Stannard a chance to seek legal advice and to not bring her son to court with her on the next occasion.

“Despite your appalling behaviour in being his tutor in how to steal,” he said.

“I would be remiss in my duty if I did not consider a sentence of imprisonment for this offence.”

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, Magistrate Nick Alexandrides adjourned Stannard’s charge to the Port Adelaide Nunga Court in April.