Steele Morunga sentenced for stealing 'Christmas presents' from Adelaide pharmacy

A Western Australian man has been sentenced after he stole a number of “Christmas presents” from an Adelaide pharmacy. 

A young man may face extra jail time after a court heard he walked out of a Chemist Warehouse with $1000 of goods – some of which he wanted to give away as Christmas presents.

A young Western Australian man has been sentenced after he walked out of Chemist Warehouse with $1000 of goods – some of which he wanted to give away as Christmas presents.

Steele Paki Ian Morunga, 28, of Western Australia – but currently of no fixed address – appeared in the Adelaide District Court this week to be sentenced after pleading guilty to a number of charges including taking property without consent and possessing controlled drugs.

 

Steele Morunga stole over $1000 worth of goods, including toothbrushes at Chemist Warehouse Modbury.

The court heard that in December of last year, a member of the public observed Morunga in the Modbury Chemist Warehouse walking out with a trolley full of goods, before alerting a staff member.

Review of CCTV showed Morunga taking two sets of Oral B toothbrushes, a shaver set, a number of bottles of perfume and other various items from the store.

The court  previously heard, on September 13 , Morunga was pulled over as a part of a police traffic stop.

After initial inquiries with Morunga, police asked if he had any illegal items in the car.

Morunga turned to the back seat of his car, producing a reusable plastic bag containing meth as well as two ice pipes in the centre console of the vehicle.

Chief Judge Michael Evans said Morunga spent a period of time homeless after the breakdown of a relationship. 

“Your drug use escalated when you separated from your partner in about October of 2022,” he said. 

“That led to a period of homelessness and a chaotic lifestyle. 

“You have now reconciled with your partner, who has indicated that she will take you back when you are released from prison.” 

Chief Judge Evans said Morunga’s criminal history dates back to 2014 in Western Australia and continues into South Australia from 2021. 

Morunga was sentenced to one year and one day imprisonment with a non-parole period of six months. 

The sentence was backdated to June 29, 2023.